The Seminarian Sent Forth

Returning from Retreat

2011-11-01T05:26:00.000-07:00

The Cloister at the Jesuit Center - I spent many parts of each day here.

No – I did not just get back! Nothing like returning from retreat over a month ago and not getting to post about it until now! Today, I’ll post today about the 30 day experience (though I’m unsure proper words exist to properly explain the experience). Then in the next few weeks, I’ll write about some of my experiences here at St. Anne’s and some of the work involved in the preparation for Ordination.

As I wrote before I left, the Spiritual Exercises, developed by St. Ignatius, allow one the time and space to more fully enter into the Scriptures about Jesus. As the post and the link indicate, the Spiritual Exercises are an intense experience of prayer and reflection. Throughout the four “weeks” of the retreat, I have no doubt that I gained tremendous insight into my relationship with the Lord and the Church. I am even more certain I have some significant work to do - and always will. (And yes, I kept quiet, off the phone and the computer for the 30 days!)

Fr. Joseph Currie, S.J.

One of the most important dynamics in the retreat experience is one’s relationship with his Spiritual Director. In today’s post, I’d like to talk to you a little about him. Fr. Joseph Currie, S.J. is the Executive Director of the Jesuit Center and the Rector of the Jesuit Community at Wernersville. God definitely entrusted me to a good and holy man to guide me on this journey.

Fr. Joe has spent his whole life serving and ministering to others. From formation and missionary work in India to serving and leading Campus Ministry programs at Loyola and Fordham Universities to now leading and directing a powerful ministry in Pennsylvania, he appears to have always been open to where the Spirit might be calling him. Today, while also leading the Retreat Center and serving as a spiritual director, he is the leader of the community of Jesuits in Wernersville. This involves taking care of some of the older Jesuits, helping them make difficult decisions about ministry and health issues and providing encouragement and direction in difficult moments.

As a spiritual director, I think he got a sense of me pretty quickly and was able to gently lead me through the Spiritual Exercises. Always encouraging, Fr. Joe didn’t hesitate to raise some difficult questions about my experience on the retreat, my vocation to the priesthood and my role in the Church. Often when I thought I had it figured out, he’d raise another question and ultimately lead me back to prayer to discover the answer, or at least a direction. When I struggled, he always encouraged me to have faith that God would ultimately lead me through. (He was right.)

I have come to believe, throughout my life, that God has put different people on the path of this journey for reasons, that at times, I cannot understand. I am blessed to have met Fr. Joe for he not only led me through what was a grace-filled, but challenging 30 days, but provided a powerful example of what it means to be a good and holy priest. If I could have a quarter of the qualities of a man like Fr. Joe, I’m in good shape.

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. " (Ps 139: 23)

2011-09-14T21:42:00.000-07:00

Grace and Peace from Our Lord Jesus Christ. My name is Jacob Onyumbe. I am a seminarian of the Diocese of Tshumbe (Democratic Republic of Congo) who happens to be studying at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception. I am going to share with you my experience as I approach the finish line of seminary formal formation.

A few days ago, I was speaking with a friend of mine who asked me what I found more exciting about starting my last year at the Seminary. I replied without delay, “The most exciting thing about this whole adventure is that I am greatly troubled by fear.” The reply came, “Yeah, I know, fear of the unknown.” I did not say anything but smiled. This conversation, clear epitome of boredom, sums up my experience of a sprinter close to the finish line. Seventeen years ago, when I first declared that I wanted to become a priest, I had no doubt that it was the best way for me to live. I still do not understand why, but I seem to be deeply convinced about that. And it is sufficient for me. In the beginning, everything seemed easy and rosy. Even though I still have the excitement of those first days, there is a new member within the family of my feelings: fear (for want of a better term). This fear is far from what my friend thought I felt. I do not fear what is coming because it is unknown. Rather, it is as I get more glimpses into the mystery and the duties of Catholic priesthood that I become more immersed in wonder and awe. Maybe my expectations about priesthood are too high. I even forget to check my countdown to the diaconate, because checking it means resuscitating my new friend, “the fear of becoming a priest.” More and more I wonder if I am really fit for this ministry. Many people, friends, family, and even indifferent acquaintances seem to believe that I am fit for the ministry. I boldly question their beliefs.

Interestingly, I have become even more convinced than in my teenage years that it is as a priest that I want not only to live but also to die. I have no desire to overcome the fear of becoming a priest or to reconcile it with my countdown. Rather, I want to cultivate it as a reminder of the fact that I should never take my future life, my future work, my future being lightly. It reminds me of my unworthiness and summons me to rely entirely on God without whom nothing is possible. It is He who will touch my lips in order to make me fit to respond to his call, “Whom shall I send?” (Is. 6:8). I fearfully look forward to the day when I will truly answer God’s call, not only by through ordination, but especially by laying down my life down for the Sheep of Christ.

Jacob Onyumbe

Coming Home

2011-09-12T14:51:00.000-07:00

Hello blog readers! I'm Jess, a former student and co-worker of John's. What follows are my thoughts on returning to a familiar place after being changed by experiences I had while away. Enjoy!

The first week of September is always a busy and exciting time for those of us in the field of education. It’s when we return to school after the long summer vacation and reconnect with other teachers. We meet our classes for the first time and trade the flexibility of summer for the stringency of a school day schedule with bells ringing every forty minutes to signal the changing of classes. When classes began last Wednesday at St. John the Baptist DHS I was feeling the anticipation of a new school year, as well as the excitement of a home coming of sorts.

Just over two years ago I decided to leave my position as a Religious Studies teacher at St. John’s and dedicate a year of my life to service with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest. I was placed in rural Montana where I served as the academic tutor and after school program coordinator at St. Labre Indian School. Early in my year in Montana I realized that twelve months of living and serving in the Northwest was not going to be enough and I signed on to do a second year with JVC Northwest. I moved from the middle of nowhere to the Northwest’s largest city, Seattle. There I taught in the YMCA’s alternative high school and helped young adults transitioning out of homelessness to connect with resources.

Over the past two years, many people have asked why I would give up a job I loved to move across the country and work for free. Initially my answer was because a year of service was something I had always wanted to do; because living somewhere other than New York was something I felt I needed to experience; because I didn’t want to wake up at fifty and realize I was still teaching in the high school I had graduated from for no other reason than because it was easy and comfortable.

What I realize now is that I did not give up two years of my life to do service. Rather I gained some of the most formative experiences of my life while serving those in need. Because I was JV, I can ask my students to have a seat using the language of the Northern Cheyenne tribe and I understand the story of Custer’s Last Stand from the Native perspective. Because I was a JV, I can see past the tough exterior of young people I encounter on the street and realize that behind each pair of baggy pants is a kid who just wants his story to be heard. And that’s only the beginning. Because I was a JV, I know that television is certainly not a necessity, that strangers can quickly become friends who take the place of family when you’re far from home, and that not eating meat every day won’t actually kill you!

Last Wednesday I woke up and returned to work at St. John’s, the high school I graduated from, in my new capacity as Campus Minister. In the midst of the busy-ness of the new school year, I found a place that was indeed comfortable and full of familiar faces. Having been a JV, however, I can say that I work there not just because it’s easy and comfortable, but because like home, it’s the place I belong.

"With God all things are possible."

2011-09-10T09:46:00.000-07:00

       I greet you in the Name of Jesus Christ. My name is Fr. Rodnev P. Lapommeray and I, along with Fr. Dariusz Strzelecki and Fr. Daniel Rajski, was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood of Jesus Christ on June 4th, 2011 by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio for service to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn. My ordination was an experience for me beyond words. What a joy and a humbling privilege to share in the priesthood of Jesus Christ Himself! I am thankful to God for having called me to this vocation and to Holy Mother Church and my diocesan bishop for ordaining me. I was in direct formation for six years. It was a process of opening my heart and mind to have the Holy Spirit mold, form and conform them to the very heart and mind of Jesus Christ.

       Formation to become a priest has not always been an easy or care-free road, and I am aware that priesthood will not always be a life void of sacrifice. Yet, I know it was God who saw me through and molded me during my formation. Now it is God’s grace that will enable me to be the priest He wants me to be—a holy priest who brings others to come to know, love and serve Him.

       By human standards, this may appear unattainable. Yet, “With God all things are possible” (Mt. 19:26). In preparation for ordination to the Sacred Priesthood of Jesus Christ, this scripture passage from the Gospel of Matthew was the one I chose for my ordination prayer cards. It is God who accomplished the grace in me all throughout my years of formation to become a priest. He is the one who calls ordinary men like me to do extraordinary things for His glory. Imagine that through the prayers of a priest combined with those of the gathered Church at the Holy Sacrifice of Mass, bread and wine are transformed into the very Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Yes, all things are possible with God.

       As I grow in priestly ministry, I am coming to a deeper understanding of this truth. In my short time as a priest, I have been consoled and amazed by the ways God has put me in the path of various people who needed to experience His love and healing. The Holy Spirit has put me in places and situations where just a word or gesture from me as a priest was able to bring others peace and consolation. I am seeing in ever new ways how it is God who is working wonders through me and will continue to if I let Him. God wants to and can work amazing things in all of us for His glory. We just need to be small enough to allow Him to.

       If you happen to be discerning a big decision or feel called by God to a certain walk of life, whether to become a priest or religious or whether to marry that person, take on that service job or adopt that child, trust in God. Trust that there is nothing He calls us too that He will not give us the strength to do, no matter how seemingly sacrificial, countercultural or impossible the task may be. I have learnt this truth as a seminarian and am learning it more and more as a priest. Turning to God in prayer will help us discover this. Let our prayer be that God’s will (no matter how difficult) may be done in our lives, and not our own; His plan is always better. I pray and invite you to pray to God with me in the words of our Blessed Mother Mary, “May it be done to me according to Your word” (Luke 1:38). For as the Angel Gabriel said when announcing to Mary that she would be the mother of the Son of God, “nothing is impossible with God “ (Luke 1:37).

Fr. Rodnev Lapommeray serves at the parish of Our Lady of Angels Roman Catholic Church in Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn, New York .

Serving the Church? How?

2011-08-29T18:27:00.000-07:00

Hello, my name is Jaeyoung (Paschal) Choi. I am a friend of John Sureau. Generously, he asked me to post my experience to share with you. One of the biggest trips in my summer vacation was a pilgrimage to Korea for fourteen nights with Korean-American teenagers. I was one of the leaders of the pilgrimage for thirty-six teenagers.

I would not expect that my kids memorized all historical backgrounds of the Korean Church and shrines. Rather, I tried to give them a point why you are Christians based on Korean Church history. As long as I know, it was successful. Besides, I have learned many things from them: how to serve the Church and what should I give to the Church.

Being with them was like serving a small church (ekklesia, a gathering in Greek). I was serving those who were listening to me, those who were not, those who were doing good, those who were sick, those who were being healthy, and those who were injured (fortunately not many guys). Moreover, I have learned serving the Church is not about an abstract idea but an act. When I was cleaning a toilet to wash poop (one of my kids did) away, I realized this!

On the pilgrimage, I could have a day to spend with my family. When I met my mom, I started to complain about the kids. As they were a small church, they were like little sheep, bad sheep: sneaking alcohol in at night and doing whatever they want. I didn’t think that they could be compared to sheep. What I heard was that sheep were naïve, innocent, and very listening carefully to a shepherd, but the kids did not.

However, since my mom worked in special high school for teen-troublemakers, she has given me an excellent advice. Her point is, “Give them your love. Let them feel that it is a great and happy pilgrimage, when they look back the trip in their future.”

I never forget the last day of the trip, when we all shared our impressions out of the pilgrimage. One girl stood up and said with dropping tears, “I apologize as one of the participants that we never listened to staff during the pilgrimage. I feel whole-heartedly that you guys still love us. Thank you for everything for the pilgrimage.” God worked through our hearts. Giving them knowledge was not the point of the pilgrimage, but my love and my care.

I have learned how to serve the Church through them. It is not about an idea but an act (washing poop away)! Besides, I have a great lesson, what should I give to the Church. I did not only give them summery of the history of the Korean Catholic Church, but through him, I really gave them my love. I have truly acknowledged through our pilgrimage, “God is Love.” (I Jn. 4:8)

Rejoice in the Lord, not in the world.

Jaeyoung Paschal Choi

Parish Social Ministry

2011-08-25T19:28:00.000-07:00

Deacon John speaking with a
parishioner after Mass

I'm a new reader of John Sureau’s blog and am pleased to be among the people he has asked to write a ‘guest posting’. My topic is Parish Social Ministry, which is something that runs deep for me.

I coordinate our Parish Social Ministry program at Saint Anne’s, where we are fortunate to have Deacon John as a seminarian from his assignment in late June to his ordination in December. One of his first comments to me was that he was glad to see us publish these words in the bulletin each week on the PSM page: “Saint Anne’s is here for you…" If parishioners are struggling with something and not sure where to turn, our parish provides confidential support and assistance. Serious illness, financial problems, marital difficulties, unemployment, mental health concerns and caring for the ill and elderly are issues we all may face at different times in our lives. "Saint Anne’s is here for you” is the message we strive to live each day.

Parish Social Ministry is our faith community’s response…to the needs we perceive in each person we encounter, and to God’s call to share our gifts in service to one another. At Saint Anne’s, PSM includes direct service for people who are ill, elderly, poor or hungry. Support is offered to the bereaved, to those who are unemployed, to those who have cancer, to those who have disabilities and to persons who are divorced. Small communities have been formed for mothers in our parish, for seniors, for families who have children with special needs and for people in their ‘middle years’. Together, we seek to find God in the Eucharist we share as a faith community and in the relationships we form with one another - especially with those who are most vulnerable.

In Parish Social Ministry, we strive to bring hope and comfort to people in need by being present to them, listening without judging, finding common ground, offering assistance and giving of ourselves with compassion, whatever their difficulties may be. A prayer we have often shared is:

“Father, we ask You to increase our competence and compassion. Help us reaffirm our covenant with You and Your people. Give us sensitivity and patience, but also a sense of humor. Teach us that as we ‘do’ for others that we ‘be’ with them. Teach us the ministry of presence. Amen.”

John Sureau, in the short time he has been with us, has demonstrated his understanding of this message and his willingness to live it. The faith community of Saint Anne’s is blessed to have him spend this part of his journey to ordination among us and we are thankful for the gift of his pastoral presence.

~ Linda Leone

Basil Bliss's first two months as a Deacon

2011-08-22T08:13:00.000-07:00

Ordained on May 14^th. There were eleven of us, closely bound in friendship throughout the four years of formation. Over the last two months, we continued to share our experiences, our duties, our homilies and our anxieties. Last week we met for a BBQ with our wives, laughed together and prayed together.

The exhilaration I felt at Ordination continued for weeks. There was a Mass of Thanksgiving with relatives, friends and parishioners. There was a welcome calm after the excitement that lasted for two weeks. Then, there were wakes to be done. When was the last time I read the rite? In my third year !! I needed to review the rite. When was the last time I looked at the Baptismal rite? In my second year!! The lack of familiarity with the rites demanded my review. I even sat in when our two seasoned Deacons did a wake service or a Baptism. An old friend lost his wife at age 57, and he requested that I do the vigil. His son played baseball with my son. and we coached together. No pressure here. Finally, there was a meeting with my new Pastor and a schedule to follow. I welcomed planning and the stability of a schedule of when I’d do Baptisms or Masses or preach, and with three Deacons, we’d rotate the wakes. I do feel I am part of a family at St. Anne’s, working with dedicated Priests, Deacons, and Parish staff.

My spiritual growth continues. I had indeed felt that growth in the Seminary. I have continued with Morning and Evening prayer, and I continue to read Biblical commentaries on the readings each week. What was that Marine motto? Now my thoughts have turned to the New Missal, and getting to read the changes in the prayers. I volunteered to write an article on the history of the lectionary and am now working on one on the Liturgy of the Word. Is there an easy way to explain the changes in the Creed?

I want to visit the homebound. Working precludes this, except on weekends. I found time to visit and bring the Eucharist to the father of a friend in a rehabilitation center. Need to do more of this. I have taught high school Theology for the last 8 years, and am implementing a new curriculum mandated by the USCCB. I will be responsible for the RCIA and Confirmation education for students as well. Just enough to keep me busy!

-Basil Chairman, Theology Dept. Bishop Loughlin HS/ Deacon at St. Anne's Garden City

SAGE Ministry

2011-08-20T18:20:00.000-07:00

We’re Sisters of Charity of Halifax, working with older parishioners at Our Lady of Lourdes, West Islip. Father Mike Vetrano asked us to develop a program, as the result of a questionnaire where older parishioners had requested that more attention be devoted to their pastoral needs. The result is the SAGE Group (Senior Advocates for Growth and Enrichment), formed in 2003. There are fifty-one members, about forty of whom attend our meetings every other Tuesday. Our basis for discussion is the book, A Gospel for the Mature Years, by Harold Koenig. We gather in what we call our “sacred circle” where we emphasize that what is shared there stays there. As we consider the book’s topics, SAGEs think about the text, reflect on its meaning and relate it to their own faith lives. We pray and learn, we share and discuss together in order to grow “in wisdom, age and grace.” Many of the members had not been in a venue like this before and so were not at ease in expressing ideas, opinions and their faith. SAGE helps them to become more comfortable in articulating their thoughts in the group.

As leaders, we have seen SAGEs grow in their faith over the past eight years. They have learned from one another in many ways. As one member said: “Where was the SAGE Group when we were young parents?!” The wisdom they have gleaned throughout their lives now overflows to and supports the members of the group, enriching them during these later years.

The SAGE Group does not have officers, elections or dues as it is not a ‘club,’ but they have a free-will offering at each meeting. Through this, they built a home in El Salvador and they adopted a Salvadoran elder for this year, thus focusing on issues beyond the group.

As moderators, we have been inspired by the holiness and spirituality of the members. We are in awe at their dedication over the years to their families and their parish community. The same spirit of faith and dedication is now helping many of them to continue on after the death of a spouse or other loved one. We are privileged to work with the SAGE Group.

Margaret Mary Bickar, SC

Betty Toohig, SC

Off to Retreat

2011-08-13T14:41:00.000-07:00

On Monday, August 15^th, I will leave St. Anne’s, Garden City for a 30 day retreat based on The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.

The Main Entrance in Big Sur.

How did this happen? In planning and organizing the time of my diaconate, Bishop Murphy asked me to consider engaging in such a retreat experience. Before entering the Seminary, I participated in an 8 day silent retreat (not based on the Spiritual Exercises) at the Camoldolese Benedictine Monastery in Big Sur, CA. At the conclusion of the retreat, my spiritual director suggested I consider a longer retreat in the future. When this opportunity came up, I was excited (and honestly, a little anxious) about the experience and am looking forward to it

The Main Entrance at the Jesuit Center.

Where is this happening? My 30 day retreat will take place at the Jesuit Center in Wernersville, PA. My director, the person I will meet with each day, is Fr. Joseph Currie, S. J. I have not met him yet, but he seems to be a kind and gentle person who will be a tremendous guide.

Statue of St. Ignatius at the Jesuit Center.

What is this all about? Very briefly, this retreat is based on the experience of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. When ill and unable to move from bed, he read two books – one a book about the life of Christ and the second about the life of the saints. From these encounters and others, Ignatius developed these Spiritual Exercises. (My summary is VERY brief…there is much more to the story!). The retreatant (that will be me) will work with my Spiritual Director (Fr. Currie) to work through the Spiritual Exercises. The hope, in the end, is that the retreatant is more aware of his or her own feelings and thoughts, his or her relationship with Jesus and his commitment to serve the Lord throughout his or her life and be ever more aware of his presence. (Again – a very brief overview.) You can read more about the Spiritual Exercises here.

In the same way we may work out or exercise our bodies for physical improvement, we need to do the same for the spiritual life. The hope is that many of the skills and experiences that occur during this retreat continue for years and years to come. Everyone I have met who has participated in this silent retreat has been overly supportive and encouraging about my participation. Needless to say I have great hope!

While I will be away I will have no access to the e-mail, phone, computer, etc. However, I’ve asked some friends to help me up date the blog. So each week – actually some times even twice a week – you’ll see a different post! Enjoy. I look forward to reading them when I return.

Taking Leave

2011-08-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

As I continue to give you some updates about what has been happening over the past few months, one issue has certainly been taking leave of places and communities. In particular, at the end of April, I resigned my position as a hospital social worker.

Previously, I have written about my experiences as a hospital social worker. It is both a challenging and hopeful job. Usually, hospital social workers are assigned a particular unit or area in the hospital to work (i.e. a Cardiac Care unit, a certain floor or area, etc.). In their work, they address many of the “social” needs of patients and often encounter some of the most vulnerable and broken of our society. Whether it be one who struggles with addiction or another who faces the prospect of moving into a nursing home or another who has no place to live because of the economy or another who is unsure how they can pay their hospital bill without insurance or additional support, the social worker is usually a part of these patients’ lives.

It is difficult and challenging because the presence of resources to help the most vulnerable in our society has significantly declined, especially in this area. Finding housing for the homeless, rehab for the addict, insurance for the uninsured and even food for the hungry is harder and harder. It is a reminder of our ultimate powerlessness in the midst of so many situations.

It is hope-filled work because you know that often (note – not always) your presence and even the offer of support makes a tremendous difference in the life of a patient and his or her family who is sick or struggling. More than the resources or assistance, presence often makes the greatest difference.

People who know me well know that I loved my time at Good Samaritan Hospital over the past seven years. It is one of the places I interned as a social worker – and in many ways never stopped teaching me. It is a community of individuals, in this particular case, who so supported and encouraged me, especially on this path to the priesthood. The social workers I worked with always welcomed, guided and encouraged me in my time there. Needless to say taking leave of the “hospital” at the end of April was difficult.

In this process of moving forward, and now in my time at St. Anne’s, I have come to see again and again the everlasting power of community. Yes, I am no longer a social worker at the hospital and I do miss much of that work. At the same time, I hope and pray I am a stronger and more empathetic person who has gained skills and relationships that will allow me to serve as a good priest. I know, too, I have formed relationships that transcend any title or job, but will remain with me for years to come. What a testament to the power of community.

Ordination to the Diaconate

2011-07-17T11:33:00.000-07:00

Bishop Murphy and I before Ordination.

As I work to “catch everyone up” I want to share a little bit with you about Ordination to the Diaconate on May 21, 2011. The Rite of Ordination takes places within the Celebration of the Eucharist and I thought perhaps walk through the rite might provide some good insight for all of us.

The Rite of Ordination begins after the proclamation of the Gospel. Here, Msgr. Swiader, Vice Rector, and Msgr. Peter Vaccari, Rector, presented me as a candidate for Ordination to the Diaconate. After their dialogue with the Bishop, the assembly affirmed this (very humbling). Following the presentation, Bishop Murphy delivered his homily which incorporated the readings, my own journey and what it means to be a deacon in service of the Church. It was a homily filled with many challenges to those called to diaconate and one that I have reflected on since my Ordination.

After the homily, before the entire assembly, I made five promises to the bishop – including a commitment to pray the Liturgy of the Hours and celibacy - and then came forward, knelt before him and promised obedience to him and his successors. As I listened to the questions put forth by the Bishop, they take on a very important meaning (and they should). While one can read the Rite or practice it, the moment itself holds its own particular significance.

Perhaps the most moving moment of the entire Rite takes place after the promises. I laid prostrate on the floor of the Seminary as the entire community prayed the Litany of the Saints. We pray that litany, seeking the intercession and aid of the saints, on the person being ordained (me), and the entire Church.

Following the Litany, I came before the Bishop for the laying on of hands. This is an ancient ritual in our Church that invokes the Holy Spirit. Then, I was vested with the liturgical garb of the Deacon – a stole across the chest and a dalmatic. Like other outward signs they signify to the assembly my role as a deacon in the liturgy and the life of the Church. A tradition is to ask two members of the clergy to “vest you”. For this investiture, I asked Msgr. Swiader, my Adviser, and Msgr. Joseph DeGrocco, Director of Liturgical Formation. Both of these priests have shown themselves to many others and myself to be tremendous examples of the potential for formation and growth. They were significant influences on me since I entered the Seminary and, I have a feeling, will continue to be for years to come.

After the investiture, I knelt before the Bishop again and received the Book of the Gospels. The words the Bishop says at this point have always been significant to me:

“Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you now are. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach."

The final part of the Rite is the Sign of Peace exchanged first with the Bishop and then with the Order of Deacons present at the liturgy.

Fr. Mike Vetrano, Bishop Murphy and I after Ordination.

To say it was a moving and powerful day is an understatement. I was humbled by the tremendous support and care for me exhibited by all who gathered – from my own family to the community of the Seminary to the friends who gathered from the different ministries I have been blessed to belong. Without a doubt it is a day that changed my life forever.

Greetings from Garden City

2011-07-09T13:23:00.001-07:00

Last summer, I wrote to you with great joy about my assignment to St. Anne’s in Brentwood. When Msgr. Swiader, my Advisor, told me my diaconate ministry would take place at St. Anne’s, he saw my face and said, “No, not that one!” Today, I write to you from St. Anne’s R.C. Church in Garden City. I write today with the same spirit of joy and hope I shared last summer.

On June 22^nd, I was officially assigned as a Deacon to this parish community. Honestly, I came with a little trepidation. It’s a wonderful parish with so many great things happening. Would I fit in here? Would they care about me and my journey? How would I handle living in Nassau County? Would I be able to handle all of these transitions?

Two and a half weeks into it, my fears were completely unfounded. This community has been nothing but a place of welcome, care and concern, encouragement and excitement, and inclusion and inspiration (and I can even find my way around some of these Nassau roads). More than once, I have said to myself, and others, how lucky and fortunate I am to be here at St. Anne’s. It is a tremendous community that serves and ministers to parishioners in Garden City, New Hyde Park, Floral Park, Franklin Square, Stewart Manor and so many more.

Fr. Tom Harold and I at St. Anne's.

There have been many people who have been so good and so kind to me since I’ve arrived and you’ll probably meet them one way or another on this blog. The pastor at St. Anne’s is Msgr. Tom Harold. Fr. Tom and I first met over 15 years ago. Then, he served as the Vocation Director for the Diocese of Rockville Centre and I came seeking advice and direction. When I heard I would come here with him (he started on June 22^nd too) I had a great sense that the Spirit was at work. A person who welcomed and encouraged me to consider priesthood would now be one who guides me in the final week and months before priesthood.

I concluded my bulletin reflection and some of my introduction to the parish with the paragraph below:

I mentioned last week that when I left my home parish of Our Lady of Lourdes I realized I was not so much leaving as being “sent forth” by the parish community (hence, the name of the blog!). I have a tremendous feel then when I will look at my time here at St. Anne’s I’ll say, “This is the community that sent me forth to priesthood” and for that I will be eternally grateful.

Have a great week!

Holy Week at the Seminary

2011-04-10T16:33:00.000-07:00

Good evening everyone!

Just wanted to invite you – if you don’t have plans – to come to the Seminary for Holy Week Services on:

Holy Thursday – April 21, 2011 - Mass begins at 7:30 P.M.

Good Friday – April 22, 2011 - Service begins at 3:00 P.M.

Holy Saturday – April 23, 2011 - Mass begins at 8:00 P.M.*

*Reception follows after the Easter Vigil

This is the second year that all of the services are open to family and friends. It was a great experience for me – and I hope for those who were able to attend - last year! Please feel free to come and to bring a friend or two! Please also do not have any pressure – many of us are already involved in our parish communities and that is wonderful!

I only ask if you are coming to let me know by Monday, April 18^th, so I can make sure we have enough seats for you. You can reply by e-mail to jsureau@optonline.net.

Thanks….

A Sacramental Saturday

2011-03-29T13:16:00.000-07:00

For seminarians, Saturdays are our day off. It’s up to use them as we wish – for catching up on studies, meeting up with family and friends, carrying out some pastoral work or anything that is a bit of a break from the rhythm and routine of Seminary life. From reading this blog, I have had the opportunity to be involved in pastoral work at St. Anne’s R.C. Church in Brentwood and Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson. This past Saturday provided many experiences and actually brought together various parts of my previous ministerial life and, perhaps, provided a glimpse of the ministerial life to come.

The day began at St. Anne’s. Here I was able to visit the Hospitality Too Soup Kitchen and met some members of the youth group at Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. Church in West Islip (my home parish). Then, I had met with a few families hoping to have their child baptized. It is always so hopeful to meet with families excited to have their son or daughter baptized. This week, I met a former student who brought his daughter to be baptized. These are always great experiences and challenges. As St. Anne’s is a community of communities, many who immigrate to this area can sometimes struggle with acquiring original paperwork, documentation, etc. Helping to manage some of these issues is challenging for them and a good lesson for me.

I left St. Anne’s for a little while to attend the funeral of Alyssa Acquafredda. Alyssa graduated from St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School in 2004. She worked on many projects and activities in Campus Ministry during her time in the school. Approximately two years ago, Alyssa was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. If you met her over the past two years, you probably wouldn’t know she was sick. Her spirit, enthusiasm, and sense of humor ministered to others, including me. In her illness, she touched so man with her spirit of service, compassion and justice. (Click here for an example.) The funeral on Saturday was terribly sad but also a great sign of hope. She brought together many people as SS. Cyril and Methodius R.C. Church showed. Fr. Lee Descoteaux, the presider at the Mass, called on all of us to consider our response to Jesus’ question – “Do you believe?” to Martha and Mary in John 11:17-34. Alyssa knew and lived the answer to that question – YES!

After returning to St. Anne’s, I later served at the Celebration of Matrimony for another former student, Alicia Pellegrino, at St. Frances de Chantal Church in Wantagh. Here, again, I was reminded of the power of community as so many family members and friends came together to support and encourage Alicia and her husband, Johnny.

As Diaconate approaches, I continue to see and recognize the power of the sacramental nature of the Church. Whether it be working with those who want their children to be baptized, praying and finding comfort at the loss of a loved one or celebrating the new life in Matrimony - all are sources of encouragement and strength. Ultimately, I guess it is this encouragement and strength that the Church provides to all who gather in prayer.

Diaconate

2011-03-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

As our Lenten journey continues, mine changed radically in days leading up to and following Ash Wednesday. During this time I learned I will be ordained by Bishop Murphy to the Diaconate on Saturday, May 21, 2011. Needless to say, it’s been a week filled with a variety of emotions but ultimately reassurance that I am on the right path, heading in the right direction.

Ordination to the Diaconate is the final “step”, if you will, before Ordination to the Priesthood. Traditionally, seminarians after receiving the Ministries of Reader and Acolyte and the Call to Candidacy are ordained deacons to serve in the seminary and a local parish community for a period of time.

As you know, my journey – as are the journeys of all who live here at the Seminary – is unique. Where, how long, and in what form the rest of the journey will take is not totally clear but there is a renewed peace that comes with this. What has been affirming and clear is the tremendous response and support I have received throughout my time here and most especially over the past few weeks. From my family, to the men I live with, to the parish community and so many others who have taken the time to check in, look out, express support and provide sound wisdom and advice. I am reminded, again and again, of the need for the community of the Church to be a part of our lives. I have no doubt that a vocation is a response to God’s call, but I’m unsure it can be answered fully without the support, love and affirmation of the local community. What a difference it makes! Undoubtedly, if you’re reading this, you’re one of those people.

Let’s continue to pray for and with one another as we journey towards Lent and all the Easter season will bring.

Peace.

Lent - More Than "Patch" Work

2011-03-09T17:08:00.000-08:00

I write on the night of Ash Wednesday from the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception. We are winding up our Ash Wednesday Day of Quiet. It’s a day here that is a radical contrast to most Catholic Churches today. Instead of thousands coming to the Church, we gather as a community of thirty or so to begin Lent in a solemn and contemplative way. I wonder if the experiences of the Seminary today might give each of us some good insight and ideas.

Msgr. Fink preaches on Good Friday, 2010.

Our day began, as most mornings do, with Morning Prayer. Msgr. Fink, the Director of Spiritual Formation and my Spiritual Director, presided and preached at Morning Prayer. He spoke about the three traditions of the Lenten season – prayer, fasting and almsgiving. These are all things we try – in one way or another – to more actively engage in during Lent. For example, today is a day of fast and we abstain from meat. We tend to pray more, publicly and privately. We often “go the extra mile” to help the other during the season. All good things! Msgr. Fink’s challenge acknowledged the goodness of these things. However, the hope of the Lenten journey is that these are not just Lenten things – or things that we add on for 40 days – but actions and habits that become a real part of our lives. That they not just be “patches” but become part of the tapestry of who we are and who we seek to become.

We continued in silence after Morning Prayer and throughout the day, including meals. I have come to see the need for and to love the quiet in my life. It’s not something I can do all the time, but there’s a great value to it on so many levels. There are fewer distractions and it makes it easier to focus. There are times, though, we need to be called to it. Even this morning, I spoke to a friend and said, “Let’s talk a little more about what we spoke about yesterday after lunch.” To which he replied, “I cannot speak to you today, I need to get myself together.” A good reminder for me! How easy it is to slip out of the silence.

Bishop Murphy leads Ash Wednesday Prayer Services at St. John's.

During the day, too, we had the opportunity to go to Confession, to make appointments with our Spiritual Director or other faculty members to talk about whatever was on our mind or what we would like to work on in the upcoming season. Bishop Murphy visited the Seminary today as he has done on Ash Wednesday for the last 10 years. It’s become a tradition for Bishop Murphy to begin his day at St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School in the morning and the Seminary in the afternoon. So for the past 10 years, Bishop Murphy and I have celebrated Ash Wednesday together – one way or another.

At the end of the day, Bishop Murphy celebrated Mass with us. He called on us to recognize the presence of failure in our lives, our world, even our Church. In that recognition, we’re called to hope that like a common Lenten hymn contains, “We will rise again from ashes”. The day concludes with the opportunity for Eucharistic Exposition and we will all gather for Night Prayer tonight in the Chapel.

Ash Wednesdays like today are good but for seminarians it’s probably not something we should get too used as this is one of the busiest days in parish life. Yet, in the time and space we are afforded here we can reflect on the call of Lent to not just add or simply take away things in our lives, but to acknowledge where work is needed and seek to not “patch” things up but transform them.

Happy Lent!

Here is a great video about Lent from Archbishop Dolan! Click here.

Meet the Dean....but quickly!

2011-02-22T06:54:00.000-08:00

Msgr. Swiader celebrates Mass in Bethlehem.

Sorry, in advance, for the long post….

In a number of posts, I’ve promised a post about the Dean, Msgr. James Swiader. I have mentioned him a few times, particularly in the posting about the Alley. Last Friday, we received some difficult news at the Seminary. On June 22^nd, Msgr. Swiader will take leave of the Seminary to become the Pastor of St. Joseph’s R.C. Church in Garden City. I have wanted to write this post for a few weeks, but putting it all into words is a little tough.

There have been many people who have been a significant part of the journey of getting to the Seminary and managing life here. Without question or hesitation, Msgr. Swiader has certainly become one of those people. In June 2009, the summer before I entered the Seminary, I met Msgr. Swiader for the first time. When he had come in from outside to meet me he began by saying, “I presume you own the yellow truck.” My first thought was “Oh man, I’m in trouble.’’ I remember coming with a slew of questions, concerns and ideas about seminary life. In the two hours he spent with me that June day, I met a man who provided the first of many times of comfort, reassurance, direction and support.

When I moved into the Seminary in August, I learned that I was on Msgr. Swiader’s alley (He warned me that it was a quiet and subtle alley – that may have changed a bit since I arrived). And during Transition (Orientation) Week, I learned Msgr. Swiader would be my Advisor – a relationship that would guarantee an important role in this journey.

Over the past two years, primarily as my Advisor but also as the Vice Rector, Dean of Seminarians and Alley Prefect, Msgr. Swiader has provided guidance, challenge, and direction in ways I did not anticipate in June 2009. I found in my first few days when things were challenging, he listened and provided some good advice. He recognizes, often, when certain times might be a bit uncomfortable or overwhelming for me and is sure to check in with an e-mail or invitation to stop by. When I have fallen short at the Seminary, he’s been there to offer correction but never without encouragement. At times, when loss or difficult relationships or uncertainty about the future has creeped in to cause fear, anxiety or doubt, he’s always provided confident reassurance.

Msgr. Swiader and I are different in some ways. I had to teach him about Jimmy Buffett and he has taught me to appreciate poetry, great literature, opera (people actually go to the opera?) and many other things. What has united us, though, is this journey in formation. When I first met Msgr. Swiader he assured me that formation is not uniform (i.e. the same for everyone) and requires incredible self-discipline and direction. Those words have proven true, time and time again, largely because of his influence. Time and again, Msgr. Swiader has always brought my focus back to the habitus sacredtolis – that the sense of priesthood is such an internal part of the seminarian’s, and ultimately, the priest’s being that he cannot be himself without it. In ways dramatic and simple, he has shown that to me from within himself and called me to the same.

The United States Bishops published the Program for Priestly Formation to guide seminary formation and write the following about the Advisor:

They observe seminarians and assist them to grow humanly by offering them feedback about their general demeanor, their relational capacities and styles, their maturity, their capacity to assume the role of a public person and leader in a community, and their appropriation of the human virtues that make them “men of communion.” These same formators may, on occasion, teach the ways of human development and even offer some personal mentoring or, at times, coaching. More generally, they offer encouragement, support, and challenge along the formational path. (80)

I would say, for sure, Msgr. Swiader has done this and more over the past two years. And while life will change in a few months, I hope in some way, we will somehow continue together on this journey.

Here's the alley - from our Ragtime in the Refectory celebration (It was Msgr. Swiader's idea - including the hats.)

Too Attached?

2011-02-06T15:06:00.000-08:00

Tonight, Sunday February 6th, I preached at Solemn Vespers. At Vespers, we preach primarily from the Second Reading at Mass.

Reading Text: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (An audio version can be found below and the text follows.)

As I have prayed and reflected over today’s readings, I don’t really want to preach about this reading. You see, it’s not for me. It’s not where I’m most comfortable. It’s not what I want to hear. When I first read over these readings a few weeks ago, I wanted to preach about the first reading. The fast acceptable to the Lord, from Isaiah…that’s what I really want to preach and reflect upon. Think of all things that might be able to be incorporated into that …or Jesus’ proclamation about “You are the light of the world”….the themes there are what I really want to preach about…

You see I’m a “do”er. I like to take on projects get them done. Work an extra job, no problem. Take on a project or assignment, not a problem. Try to help someone by doing something for them or listening, I’d be honored. I’ve been called hyperactive, “too much”, over energetic (and other things, that are inappropriate for the Chapel). Yet, it’s the first reading and Gospel that I still feel better speak to me, are what I need to hear….

Or are they? You see if we’re honest, St. Paul’s words are too hard for us to handle. We can so easily build up the resume or list of attachments– in one way or another – to demonstrate how valuable, how important, we are. We need that reassurance, most times. We can list all the jobs we can do. Or for some us here, we can list and state who we know and who we have met…How many friends and acquaintances we have…For others of us, is it how smart we are and how many classes we’ve taken and grades we’ve earned? Maybe for some we are caught in technology – and we use it for good but we’re attached…For others of us, do we seek status and public recognition and see that as the way to being valuable and important?

These attachments, with reflection, balance and in and of themselves, are not negative. But they can quickly become the “driving force” in our lives. These attachments can easily pull us further and further away from the reality, from the wisdom of Paul, that the value and potential I have is not found in any other place but my relationship with God. We may come to the point when we cannot imagine our lives without our work, status, relationships, grades, recognitions, etc. God somehow falls always in the midst of this. Yet the reality is that there are not enough grades, statuses, connections, names to drop, or intellectual abilities that would ever make us worthy of that love and that Spirit St. Paul reassures us of today.

This is not an easy message. Paul gave it with trembling and fear – the opposite of the powerful preachers of this time. The realizations - of things we do, the attachments we grab on to – get in the way of our relationship with God can bring us to our knees. But if we don’t look at it now, particularly while here in the Seminary – it will break through our way of being, our way of living, our vocation. These attachments of works, peoples, things - will creep in and eventually take us down for these things will not have been built out of relationship with God but apart from it.

On the first Sunday Vespers of the Fall semester we heard from the first Letter to Timothy. The message then was very similar – Christ came to save the weak and vulnerable and to use them for his glory. Today, the first Letter to the Corinthians shares a similar message. While it may be a message that is difficult to hear, as we continue in this new semester, it’s a message that bears repeating again and again and again. We are nothing without our relationship with God in our lives –when that relationship is close and intimate and when that relationship feels distant and detached - it is from there and no other place that we can live and have our being.

As we come to close of this day, let’s reflect on the wealth of Scripture to remind us of this. Let’s make the words of the psalm we prayed this morning our prayer each day – “O God, you are my God, for you I long” (Psalm 63). If the desire of the psalmist truly becomes ours, our attachments will not be distractions or controlling but rather aids and means of support and as we call out to the Lord and he responds, “Here I am!” (First Reading from Sunday's Mass) and we go forth, in relationship with him - to be his “light for the world” and his “salt of the earth.” (Gospel at Sunday Mass).

On Retreat

2011-02-01T03:29:00.000-08:00

This week, seminarians returned to the Seminary for the beginning of the Spring Semester (more to come on that in next week’s post). Returning back to the “routine” of seminary life cannot help but force me to think back over other experiences over the break.

A view of the grounds at Mount Saviour Monastery.

During the first week of January, five other seminarians and I had the opportunity to spend a week of retrea at Mount Saviour Monastery near Elmira, NY. This is a Benedictine monastery that opened in the 1951. (You can read more about the monastery here and see some nice videos here.) Today, nine monks live in the monastery and spend their entire day from early morning to night – literally – in a spirit of work and prayer.

Their routine is a bit different than ours. There are great differences between seminaries and monasteries, for sure. Each day in the Monastery began with Vigils at 4:45 A.M. (no, that’s not a misprint!). Here the monks recite the psalms, listen to a reading from Scripture and a reading from the writings of great saint or monk. Then, we gathered again for Lauds, or Morning Prayer, in the Chapel, followed by a silent breakfast. Mass is celebrated at 9:00 A.M. The community gathers again for Sext – Midday prayer – followed by a silent lunch and then, again, at 3 P.M. for None – Midafternoon prayer. Dinner is served at 5:30 P.M., again in silence, followed by Vespers – Evening Prayer – at 6:30. The day concludes with Compline – Night Prayer – at 8:15 P.M. Needless to say there is a lot of praying in the monastery!

This statue is a 14th century statue of Our Lady Queen of Peace brought over from France. It is in the Crypt at Mount Saviour. Each day, people come and bring their intentions and prayers.

What fills in the “gaps” of time between the prayer that marks the entire day? Monks pray and study at different points of the day. They also work throughout the day supporting the community in a number of ways. The monks at this monastery produce products like apple juice and honey and sell it as a means of producing some revenue for the monastery. They “raise sheep” (?) and then sell the wool at the market. They welcome and provide tremendous hospitality to guests like us. And, from an outside observer, they do work. Yet there is a peace about what they do. While there is much to do, the pace is leads one to say their work is a form of prayer.

The week on retreat was a powerful one for me. I find that when surrounded by silence, it’s a little easier to go deeper in prayer and reflection. The life of a monastery provides the time and space that I need for that to happen. Throughout this week, we also bore witness to a different sense of community that we may know in our own lives. The monks clearly respect and care for one another while also acknowledging the challenges and difficulties that community life can present. In these and many ways, the week on retreat provided much to think, reflect and pray about. I hope I can carry even just some of what I have gained into the weeks and months ahead in the Seminary.

The Chapel at night.

In The Hospital

2011-01-16T13:00:00.000-08:00

The Christmas break provides seminarians with some time away from the seminary to do many things. Taking a step away from the routine and rituals of the Seminary allows some seminarians to return to their local communities – to be nourished and strengthened and to also contribute as well.

Over the past number of years, I have had the privilege of working as a social worker at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip. (You can read more about the hospital by clicking on the link.). Before coming to the Seminary, I would work as an “on-call” social worker during vacations from school (Christmas Recess, Winter Recess, summer, etc.). Since coming to the Seminary, I’m not able to be as present as I once was, but can still contribute during these extended times off.

Hospital social work is, at the same time, both challenging and exhilarating. It is challenging because you are handling some of the most difficult issues of a patient’s life – his or her social issues. In a “typical” day, a hospital social worker may assist a family with placing a loved one in a nursing home, advocating for a patient without insurance, sitting with a family at the bedside of one who is dying, seeking services for someone with insurance, counseling someone with an alcohol or drug issue, providing emotional support to a grieving family, among many other issues. Unfortunately, there aren’t always a lot of victories and there are times – even when you only work a few times a year -when you see some of the same people again and again, managing some of the same issues and problems.

It is exhilarating because, in some way, you seek to make a concrete difference in the life of another. For the challenges listed above, each day usually brings a glimmer of hope. In the position of social worker you can sometimes help someone get to the “next step” or find resources for them they never knew about before or advocate for a person in light of some injustice. It may not be bringing closure to a long standing issue, but it might be listening to someone who hasn’t felt they’ve been listened to, it might be helping someone to see the potential within, or it might even be doing something to bring a smile to someone’s face who hasn’t found a reason to smile in a long time. While it is not pastoral work in the same sense as hospital chaplaincy, it is pastoral in many, many ways.

It is also exhilarating because of who I am able to work with. When studying in Social Work, I interned at Good Samaritan Hospital and many of the people who helped to train me as a social worker a few years ago are still present to support and encourage me – not only as a social worker, or a seminarian (which they’re excited about!), but as a person who is constantly seeking to answer God’s call in his life. Again, as I ended last week, how blessed am I!

Christmas Recess - Coming Home

2011-01-11T03:32:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Recess has been filled with many blessings – including reuniting with family and friends, returning to hospital ministry, praying with fellow seminarians in the Syro-Malankara Rite of the Church, a week of retreat at Mount Saviour Monastery near Elmira, NY and much more!

The 2010 OLL Christmas Pageant!

One of the highlights of the Christmas Recess for me is returning to my parish home – Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. Church in West Islip. It is this community, among others, that sent me forth to pursue the seminary and priestly formation. I have the chance to return, at times, for Daily Mass, Saturday evening Mass, some parish events, and on Home Weekends. I never fail to leave affirmed, encouraged and supported by the people of God in West Islip.

This year, because of our break and my schedule, I had the opportunity to spend time in a different way at OLL. In many ways, this was the first time I went “public” since becoming an Acolyte in October. My work in the past as Coordinator of Worship involved, primarily, “behind the scenes” work which I love. This year, at the invitation of my pastor, Fr. Mike Vetrano, I served at some Christmas Masses and had the opportunity to offer a reflection on the Feast of the Holy Family (hours before the great blizzard).

It is very humbling, for me, to have the opportunity to serve in a parish community, most especially the one that has given so much to me. Serving publicly brings with it new feelings and emotions. First, it can be difficult to be “in front” at times. It’s necessary and it’s certainly something I’m more comfortable with as the years have gone by, but it’s an adjustment from much of the “behind the scenes” work. Second, initially, it can be nerve wracking and it probably shows. I know this because one of the servers – who I trained when I worked in the parish said to me – “Relax, you’re too tense!” (As I said, humbling.) Third, it is, at the same time, powerful to be part of the Church’s liturgy in this way. I think I feared that serving as an acolyte and perhaps one days as a presider, would pull me away from the assembly. More and more I am realizing this is not the case. The “one body” still prays together.

In addition to these experiences, returning to the parish means a great deal to me, personally. Most days, I pray at the 8 A.M. Mass. In the celebration of the Mass and the quiet time in the Church before, I am able to set a good direction for the day. And, I am automatically reminded that I do not journey alone. Throughout these weeks, it has also been good for me to just be part of some of parish life – whether it be attending the Christmas Pageant (with some seminary friends), helping to prepare and some of the Christmas liturgies, talking and sharing life with members of the community or being one of many to put all those Christmas decorations away – to remember that this is what has, in large part, brought me to this point in my life and continues to encourage and strengthen me along the way. How blessed am I!

Have a great week!

Catching Up

2011-01-07T19:04:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Long Island! I have much to tell you about the past few weeks in upcoming blogs. For now, I invite you to check out a different blog - In the Footsteps of Jesus. This blog follows the members of the Seminary community journeying throughout the Holy Land for the next two weeks.

Last year, I had the opportunity to participate in this pilgrimage and it was a life-changing experience. Try to follow their experiences and reflections in the days ahead!

Food and Feet

2010-12-19T04:58:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since my last post and for that, I apologize. There's been a lot happening at the Seminary these days and I'll try to bring everyone up to speed in the weeks ahead.

One of the highlights in the Seminary over the past month has been the Ordination to the Diaconate on our patronal feast - the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. On this day, we celebrated and prayed with Rodnev Lapommeray, Dennis Suglia, Kevin Thompson and Frank Zero (see pictures below) as they were ordained to the diaconate. I have been fortunate to spend a significant amount of time with these men - my classmates - and it was a tremendous day for our entire community.

I had the opportuntiy to preach at Morning Prayer on December 8th. Below is the text of my homily that morning:

Today is a day of calling for sure. I’d like to suggest today that we, too, might be called, like Mary, in ways we could never imagine. Today, in a special way, in spirit of both this solemnity and the spirit of this day as we prepare for the Ordination to the Diaconate if this day is not about a calling to Food and Feet - yes, Food and Feet. Bear with me for a minute….

Rodnev Lapommeray, from the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Before coming to the Seminary, I had the opportunity to work with a program called, “Midnight Run”. It involved bringing together groups of people – in my case – high school students – to bring clothing and food to homeless women and men in Manhattan on Friday nights. Before one I received a call from the Dean of Students asking me to include a young man – who I knew all too well – who had gotten into some trouble. So, I strongly encouraged Sean to come and to spend the night with a group of people he was not too comfortable with and spending a Friday night in an unfamiliar way, for him at least.

So we journeyed and headed into Manhattan. I never failed (nor fail) to be humbled by the reaction of those we would bring and those we would encounter. The gratitude, appreciation and desire for relationship they sought too. There was also human moments of encounter, like on this night when one man said to Sean – after seeing the hundreds of sandwiches prepared and said, “What, you don’t have any Turkey? How can you come here and not have Turkey?”

That same night we journeyed to 55th Street and Park Avenue and saw a man who came to our van barefoot looking for shoes or sneakers. The shoes he was wearing were worn and ripped and clearly this man needed new shoes. We just did not have that much clothing this particular night and had to send the man away barefoot with only food. It wasn’t until the next stop that I realized what had happened. As we gathered everyone up I couldn’t find Sean. You can imagine the range of thoughts running through my mind. After a minute or two Sean came from around a corner and returned to the van. It wasn’t until we got to the next stop that I realized what happened. Sean wasn’t wearing any shoes.

I share that story because this day – because I think this morning’s reading and our preparations for the celebration of Diaconate – might en-flesh for us, if you will, the power of this Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. That we, like Mary, are called to greatness, even when we don’t think we’re worthy, even when we cannot imagine why God might have created us, why he formed us, what we are His.

How do we actualize this – how do we come to more powerfully recognize this – well it’s in Food and Feet. It’s in the example of the diaconate. It’s around the Table that we’ll gather around to share and encounter Jesus in bread and wine. And it calls us to look at the tables of our own lives. Who do we welcome? include? Exclude? Who is welcome? Who is shunned? The men who will be ordained today become more powerfully people of Table – should not the same be true for the rest of us.

And it’s from that sharing in the meal – that we are called to be people of feet – of the “washing of the feet”, of service to our God by service to another. Here, again, it’s in the example of the diaconate. The commitment of deacons to have a special love and priority to the poor. We, too, must look to that in our own lives. Are we really willing to serve and seek out the most vulnerable among us? It’s not about journeying into NYC and feeding the homeless. It’s about looking among our friends, our family members, the men we are in class with, those who live on our alleys. The men who will be ordained today prepare to embrace what it means to wash feet – should not the same be true for the rest of us?

As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception – a day we recognize in a deeper, even unseen ways, of Mary’s call to be the Mother of God, the Mother of the Church. God called her by name – saw and realized the gifts present within before she herself knew. Today, you and I are called to re-recognize, re-discover and reflect on how God constantly calls each one of us to encounter him in bread and wine, in the service of the other. – in food and feet.

Rockville Centre Deacons. From left to right: Deacon Frank Zero, Deacon Dennis Suglia, Bishop William Murphy and Deacon Dennis Suglia.

Let’s pray that we may be open to God’s dynamic call in our lives, that we like Mary, like the men to be ordained may respond to God’s call with enthusiasm and acceptance for we are his servants, let it be done to us according to his will.

The Wedding

2010-11-27T05:26:00.000-08:00

So this week, I considered writing about Thanksgiving or Work Days or some other facet of Seminary life...and then I returned home this weekend to read The Long Island Catholic to find an article about my "mock" wedding that so many participted in. Take some time to read the article
http://www.licatholic.org/news/2010/11/112410/DoingtheritethingSeminarianpracticesweddingwithparishhelp.html
as I hope it reveals a lot about the formation process and the need for the community of support to be invovled in the process.

Have a great week!

This a picture of the wedding reception the parish hosted after the "mock" wedding! What a great community!

Hall of Fame

2010-11-16T14:15:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday, I was inducted into the St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School Hall of Fame along Mrs. Barbara Maher, The Ferraro Family and Rev. Msgr. James Kissane. It was a tremendous honor - one that was both very affirming and humbling, most especially when I consider this year's inductees and previous honorees. Even more humbling was the tremendous visible support offered by family, the St. John's, Our Lady of Lourdes and Hope House communities and the members of the Seminary community who attended the dinner.

The Inductees: Mr. Walter D. Lace and Msgr. James Vlaun

Below are the words I shared after being inducted into the Hall of Fame by Msgr. James Vlaun, past Chaplain and Mr. Walter D. Lace, Principal:

"I come tonight with three reactions – shock – humility – gratitude.

Shock. First, and those of you who know me already know this – I hate this stuff. And I want you to know how it happened. Last January Mr. Lace mentioned, “You know, Johnny, we need to honor you at the Hall of Fame….” and I said, “No, no, I don’t think so” and never heard about it again until during my pastoral work this summer at Good Samaritan Hospital came to me and said, “Congratulations you’re being honored at St. John the Baptist”. I replied, “What?” and she showed me the SJB Family News with my picture on it…so lesson learned – in the future be definitive.

Family Picture!

Humility. Truthfully, I come here tonight very humbled and truthfully one does not feel worthy of this for two reasons. First I see who has been inducted into the Hall of Fame and who is being inducted this night. The wall in the South Lobby is filled with women and men, families and communities who have in some way – directly or indirectly –given more to me than I could ever hope to offer to St. John’s. For this community accepted an awkward, uncomfortable fourteen year old freshman in 1989 and molded and formed him. This community through the actions and support of Dr. Joanne O’Brien, Msgr. Vlaun and Mr. Lace gave an opportunity of a lifetime to a 20 year old to serve as a teacher and campus minister and eventually social worker, It is this community that encouraged me to continue to learn and go to school and to develop. It is this community – of students, alumni, teachers, family, friends and so many others – who in large part sent me to the Seminary. And even to this night, a community that continues to pray for, support and encourage me in so many ways.

Some members of the Seminary Community: Sr. Mary Louise Brink, SC, Collins Adwutum, Lawrence Onyegu, Jacob Onyumbe, Msgr. Joseph DeGrocco, Paschal Choi, Daniel Opaku-Mensah, and John Kwon.

Gratitude. You see it’s because I have been given so much that I come with gratitude….gratitude I suppose for those circles that Fr. Jim spoke about. Grateful for family….who has constantly provided support and encouragement and space – I can’t tell you how many family events I’ve had to be late or to miss for something involving work or parish. Grateful for this community of course as well as parish who is here tonight – a parish where I was born and raised and again given the opportunity to minister and serve…Grateful for the community of health care ministry and Hope House…again given more opportunities to discover more about myself and the limited way I can God’s gifts for the better. And grateful for the perhaps the “newest” community on the block –the men and women here from the Seminary. I’m honored that administrators, faculty and staff have come tonight – for while St. John’s accepted a 14 year old freshmen, this community accepted a 34 year old awkward freshman last year. You will see a number of men I live with here tonight. In most cases they have traveled the world to come to this place and in coming to know them, I’ve come to know what true sacrifice, humility and service are about – again another opportunity and experience I’ve been given.

Good friends from parish and beyond who attended the dinner.

In that spirit of shock, humility and gratitude – I thank you for doing what good community – what good family – does so well: surprises you again and again, gives you opportunities to recognize how God might in some way work through and time and time again – give you reasons to give thanks again and again for a lifetime of support, empowerment, strength and support. For that I am most grateful."

All Saints Day Homily

2010-11-01T16:55:00.000-07:00

This morning, I preached and presided at our Morning Prayer for All Saints' Day. Attached is the text of my homily.

When you work in a place for thirteen years some would say you develop a legacy, a history…I would say you develop a “trail”. So when I left a place where I worked and actually went to school all of the history comes out….and hence this picture (not shown on blog!) This picture is from my Freshman year in high school at the annual Halloween Dance….yes I’m in clerical garb. And a note – that “big glasses” were in the late 80s and early 90s – I was not a nerd! And I actually have the collar buttoned and am wearing a jacket. Those of you who have come to know me here are probably shocked.

Yet, I find some comedy – well actually – humiliation in this picture. When I received this picture and came across it a few weeks ago I thought of today’s feast day and the cultural celebration of Halloween.. All Saints’ Day and Halloween - a day of great masks compared to a day of authenticity. A day when we dress up and perhaps seek to become who we want to be or dream to be – balanced against a day of utter authenticity.

This challenges me and maybe you – because if I’m honest the person standing in front of you is a bigger phony than the kid in the picture. And with great honesty, I wonder if each one of us might say the same about ourselves.

There are three qualities that I’d like to suggest we need to look at this morning. There are many we could look but perhaps these three can focus our prayer and reflection this day.

The saints show us insecurity and vulnerability. When we encounter the writings and lives of the saints, we encounter women and men who were not necessarily the most confident in their abilities and talents. They questioned, in many cases, why God choose them or how God would use them. Their acknowledgement of their weakness, of their vulnerability, attracts us to them. I don’t know a person – who is sitting in this Chapel today or not – who does not struggle with insecurity. Yet we’re not as good as facing it. We hide ourselves in work, in relationships, statuses. The saint embraced their brokenness and used it as a means to embrace those they were called to serve and to embrace the Lord.

The saints teach us about intimacy. In their brokenness, their vulnerability, they seek to grow closer to the Lord. It’s one thing in our lives to know about God – to study, debate, publicly worship. We do that well and it’s good. However, it is all a waste of time unless its based in our ongoing relationship with and desire to know God – to be willing to fall more deeply in love with him each and every day. What prevents us from falling more deeply in love with God?

Finally, the saints teach us integrity, they teach us about authenticity. They are most clearly who God has called them to be – in some cases entirely undaunted by what those around them might think. I have to admit something else to you today. I am a “Parrotthead”. That’s a name given to Jimmy Buffett fans. That’s another homily. He wrote and sang a song about culture and when it came to religion, he says, “There is a fine line between Saturday night and Sunday morning”. For the saints, there was no fine line. They were who they were. Can the same be said be about us? We sit here this morning most holy and prayerful – will the same spirit reside in us in a few minutes at breakfast? We’ll pray beautifully and prayerfully at Mass this afternoon. Will have that same spirit this evening in B-wing or in conversations with one another today. We can lack integrity and authenticity more often then we want to admit or acknowledge. What is preventing us from become our true and best selves?

So truthfully, there are times, more than I’d like to admit that the man standing here is more a phony than they guy in the picture. Yet, I pray, and I hope you do, too, that we might seek the “wisdom and insight” of the saints. With that wisdom and insight, let’s pray we can recognize our vulnerabilities and weaknesses, grow closer to our God and in so doing more authentically live the life God has called us to be - men (and women) of holiness.

Scripture Text:
A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians.
May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a spirit of wisdom and perception of what is revealed, to bring you to full knowledge of him. May he enlighten the eyes
of your mind so that you can see what hope his call holds for you, what rich glories he has promised the saints will inherit.

The Word of the Lord.

Meet the Alley - Year 2

2010-10-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

The view of our alley hall from my room.

Last year, around this time, I wrote about the alley community where I live here at the Seminary. I thought it’d be good to introduce you to the Alley Community this year. Each year there are some changes in the alley as people take leave for Pastoral Year or Ordination. Additionally, every two years, seminarians are required to move to a different alley.

As I wrote last year, in addition to being part of the larger seminary community, each seminarian at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception is part of a “corridor community” or more informally an “alley”. The idea is, that just like Church, we don’t just experience support from the larger community but also on a smaller, more intimate level. I have come to see even more this year the need for a smaller community in the midst of a larger one.

I still live on Alley 3-B. There are seven of us who live here daily and our alley prefect, or professor is Msgr. James Swiader. (He’s also the Dean of Seminarians and my Advisor – so there will be a post about him one day.) We have some formal and informal ways that we attempt to support and be present to one another. We gather for Evening Prayer on Mondays and Thursdays and those times we usually share a few laughs or good stories about the week. Once or twice a semester we’ll try to go to dinner outside of the Seminary. (A few weeks ago we went to Besito for dinner –muy bueno!)

I’m going to provide a brief intro about each person on the alley – you can check out their pictures on the Seminary Website….

Daniel Opoku-Mensah receives
Candidacy and Killick Pierrilus
serves as the Bookbearer

Killick Pierrilus: Killick is a 3rd year theologian from the Diocese of Brooklyn. Orginally, he is from Haiti. He works in B wing – a place for the seminarians to hang out and catch up after a long day.

Fortunatus Mugishu: I’ve written before about Fortunatus (click here). He’s a great man who comes to our seminary from the Diocese of Kabale in Uganda. I miss Fortunatus. He is on his pastoral year at St. Patrick’s in Bay Shore. We keep in touch pretty regularly. Even though he’s not living here daily, he still makes a great difference.

Daniel Opoku-Mensah: Daniel is now a second year theologian from the Diocese of Konongo-Mampong in Ghana. Daniel has a great sense of humor and perspective on life, here at the Seminary and in general. And, good news, this year he’s passed his road test and is now driving all over Long Island. (I've written before about Daniel here.)

Frank Zero: Frank is a 4th year theologian from St. Edward’s in Syosset. Frank is in many of my classes and is a great classmate. We find a good way to tease each other a bit but underneath it all is a great respect and admiration. He will be ordained a deacon this December 8th.

Ray Flores: Ray joined the alley last Spring and, like Fortunatus, is out on Pastoral Year in the Diocese of Brooklyn. He is a great musician and has a wonderful pastoral sense of things in and outside of the Seminary.

Jeremy Canna

Jeremy Canna: Jeremy is a 2nd year theologian from the Diocese of Brooklyn. He is a great musician and plays the organ at many of our seminary Masses and prayer services. Jeremy and I spent part of our summer together at the Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI) in Miami.

James Renna: James, a 1st theologian, is the newest member of our Alley Community. He comes to the Seminary from St. Joseph’s Parish in Hewlitt. He has a great reverence and love for the Church and for those he lives with. I’m glad he’s on the alley.

John Kwon and I at St. John the Baptist
Diocesan High School in May 2010

John Kwon: I’ve written about John before, too (click here). He joined the alley last Spring. He is from the Diocese of Daejon in South Korea. He has a great sense of humor and perspective on things. He has become a trusted friend and mentor in managing life within and outside the Seminary.

So that's the alley! It's a great group of people and I'm fortunate to spend part of my journey here with them.

Taking Time to Smell the Roses

2010-10-19T06:12:00.000-07:00

This past week, I returned to the parish for two important events both which are good reminders for me (and for all of us?) on this journey. Last Tuesday, I celebrated my “mock” Baptism which I’ll write about at another time.

Marie Ricigliano and I at Oktoberfest at Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. Church

Then on Saturday, I returned for a wonderful parish celebration where we honored Marie Ricigliano. Marie, to me and many others, is a living example of faith, hope and love. She has known pain, struggle, illness, the loss of a child and husband, to name a few. Yet she never fails to inspire and invigorate others. Marie is a tremendous person of prayer, community, hospitality, service, support and encouragement. What we often say about faith, hope and love she lives each and every day.

I’ve known Marie since I was a fourth grader in the parish school (there will be no pictures of that). While we didn’t know each other personally at that point, Marie was one of the volunteers who helped at everything in the parish – from the Italian Feast, Bingo, the Rosary Christian Mothers, Parish Outreach, the Ministry of Consolation and so much more. More than the “ministries” is her gift of presence. When you talk with Marie, you know you’re talking with a woman who not only knows about Jesus, she knows Jesus and wants you to know Him too.

Over the past ten years or so, I have had the opportunity to know Marie not only as a woman from the parish but as a friend. (There is, no doubt, she is a large source of encouragement in my coming to the Seminary.) Throughout these years, she has said to me in person, on the phone or in writing, “Be sure to take time to smell the roses.” (I think she was warning me to slow it down a bit!) And, truthfully, whenever things have gotten a little crazy or busy, that line, and the person who said it, would even creep into my mind….what would Marie say?

When I arrived at the Seminary and entered my room for the first time, I smiled. For as hard as taking leave of family, parish and ministry were, I knew it’d be OK. You see, outside of my room is the Rose Garden of the Seminary. I called Marie that day and said, “Don’t worry…I’ll be able to smell the roses every day!”

We all probably have people in our lives like Marie – women and men who gently encourage and guide us in becoming who God calls us to be. (I've written about a few others here and here.) They often stay in the background, never seeking credit or accolades. (She’ll be furious when she reads this posting.) However, no matter how far in the background they might go, you always know they’re there. You need them for they call you beyond some of the surface things that life can bring and help you to move “into the deep” of relationship and love with God and one another.

Thanks, Marie, for teaching me to take time to smell the roses.

Marie (center) with Jo Brogan, Lori Bouklas and Mimi Camperlengo in the Kitchen at St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School. They used to come and organize all the Italian food at our Annual Family Festival.

Ministry of Acolyte

2010-10-05T03:30:00.001-07:00

This past Friday, I took one of the “official” steps on this journey. I was installed as an Acolyte. Last March, you might remember, I was instituted as a lector or reader. The focus in the ministry is on the Word and how it is proclaimed and lived out. With the institution of Acolyte, the focus moves to the Table and a sense of service both within and outside of the Liturgy.

On a “practical” level, this means more public liturgical service. The Church tells us, “The Acolyte is appointed in order to aid the deacon and minister to the priest (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 6). This requires assisting at the altar with the details of the Liturgy and serving at liturgical functions (prayer services, Exposition, and at other acts of worship). At the seminary, this includes leading Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer when assigned, serving at Mass and our daily Exposition services, and making sure that everything “flows” at a particular liturgy.

When installed as lectors, we received a Lectionary – the book that contains the readings for each day of the year. As acolytes, we received and now begin wearing an alb. It’s another external sign of what I hope, are not only external but internal changes and growth.

Bishop Octavio Cisneros, Auxiliary Bishop of Brooklyn, came to the Seminary on Friday, and this is part of the homily he offered on Friday:
In performing your ministry bear in mind that, as you share the one bread with your brothers and sisters, so you form one body with them. Show a sincere love for Christ's Mystical Body, God's holy people, and especially for the weak and the sick. Be obedient to the commandment which the Lord gave to his apostles at the Last Supper: "Love one another as I also have loved you."
By this prayer, I am reminded (and maybe you, too) of the tremendous link between how we pray and how we live our lives each day. It’s not only about we do “in Church” but how serve “as Church” each and every day.

On Friday, after the homily, Bishop Cisneros called each of us forward and gave us a vessel of bread and wine and he said:
“Take this vessel with bread (wine) for the celebration of the eucharist. Make your life worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and his Church.”

Let’s pray that each of one of us, and particularly me these days, may be worthy of our “service at the table of the Lord and his Church!

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If you're able to come to Our Lady of Lourdes to help on October 12th (see right column) please e-mail this week. Some of you might be getting jobs!

Hope House

2010-09-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

This year, in Fourth Theology, seminarians are required to carry out some type of pastoral work in their local diocese. Some of my classmates’ experiences, this semester, include working with in college Campus Ministry program, a Children’s Hospital and other local outreach organizations. The seminary has allowed me to continue some of my previous pastoral work this semester at St. Anne’s Parish in Brentwood and Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson.

I’ve written previously about St. Anne’s but have not written too much about my work at Hope House. Hope House is a Catholic social service agency that has served young people and families “in crisis” for over 30 years. Founded and led by Fr. Frank Pizzarelli, SMM and supported by the Montfort Missionaries, it began as one small house in 1980. In the past 30 years, Hope House has grown into an agency that services thousands of people each month. You can read more about the services of Hope House here.

My work is primarily in two different parts of Hope House. I work in the Human Services Center (photo, right) which offers counseling and mental health support to people of all ages in need of a variety of services. I work with a number of clients – at present, mostly adolescents and their families – as a counselor and social worker. Of those clients, a few of them live in the Community House, the long term residence established to treat young men who can no longer live at home or need to address issues related to substance abuse, family conflicts or legal challenges. Residents at the Community House (photo, below) live there, share community and carry on their lives – either by going to school, working, or focusing on recovery among many other activities. I try to be present to those living in the Community House, when I can by working for those who might need coverage and joining in the community meal when I am there. Fr. Frank is not only responsible for the house but serves as a real father figure to these young men who live there. It’s a different example of priestly service and one, for me, that is inspirational.

I have been involved at Hope House for over five years and have never failed to be challenged and humbled by my experiences there. In having the honor to work with people in their brokenness, I’ve learned much about resilience, endurance and hope. To be able to be present with people on a journey towards healing and recovery cannot help but transform all involved, including me.

Since coming to the Seminary, I have been able to maintain some involvement at Hope House. It’s been funny to hear many of these young people who knew me before I entered the Seminary say things like, “Are you sure you want to do this?” or “Oh man I could never…” but at the same time see their curiosity. I have some great conversations – often both serious and humorous - about vocation, direction and the future. There is no doubt that this has been another ministry in my life that led me here to the Seminary and priestly formation. I am better for being a part of Hope House.

Hospitality Day

2010-09-20T14:17:00.000-07:00

This weekend, the Seminary hosted “Hospitality Day”. This is one of the days seminarians invite family and friends who have helped to support them on their journey to priesthood. It’s also a way for family and friends to “check out” the place and make sure their seminarian is in good shape!

A little history of the day is in order. The title “Hospitality Day” is new. Previously, this day was called “Family Day”. The change this year occurs for two reasons. First, as this is an international community, it is difficult for some to have their families come to the Seminary say from Uganda or Korea, etc. Second, it acknowledges the tremendous influence of friends and communities in the vocation work of the Church.

The day begins with Mass. This year, Fr. Peter, our Rector, presided and preached at the Liturgy. He affirmed the great commitment our family and friends, most especially our parents, have made in supporting the seminary. Second, he called each of us – seminarians, family members, friends – to work each and every day to grow closer to Jesus. The “call to holiness” is not just for seminarians, priests and religious, but for each and everyone of us.

After Mass, every one gathers in the Cloister areas of the Seminary for a BBQ. The weather was wonderful yesterday and that only added to day. This is also a great opportunity for seminarians’ families to meet each other and the faculty as well.

Following lunch, seminarians lead tours throughout the buildings and grounds. I laughed at myself yesterday. Last year, during Hospitality Day, I was not the greatest tour guide and just sort of got through it. I had only been here for a month at that point, was still adjusting and didn’t know too much about life here. This year, that’s changed. So the tour was a little longer, had more details and Seminary trivia, and I hope, a little more informational.

Days like yesterday are good ones for those of us who live here. Life here can get busy and lonely and hectic and isolating all at the same time. While, I hope, we all know of the great connections and support present to us, days like yesterday serve as a great confirmation.

Have a great week!

P.S. We’re only allowed 10 guests…but next year I’ll see if you can all come!

Opening Days

2010-09-12T16:12:00.000-07:00

I write to you as I’m about to complete my first full week in my second year - my sophomore year, I suppose – at the Seminary.

This year, as in my first year, an Opening Retreat started the year. Beginning on Wednesday, September 1, 2010, Bishop William Murphy led us through three days of prayer and reflection. (You can read more about the background to this here.)

First, and perhaps most striking, we are called to silence in these days. This is certainly a challenge but at the same time a powerful opportunity. It’s not easy to avoid talking and catching up or even talking on the phone, etc. Yet, the absence of the “noise” does allow for some deeper reflection and growth, at least for me :)!

Second, Bishop Murphy asked us to focus on the role of Mary in the life of the Church, in general, and the life of the priest and seminarians, in particular. His talks focused in four areas: a) Mary in the Mystery; b) Mary as the Ark of the Covenant; c) Mary and the Church; and d) Mary in the life of the priest and seminarian. Bishop Murphy offered us much to think about especially about Mary as the model for the Church and its members. He reminded us consistently of the need to remember the service of humility of Mary and put that into action in our own lives, especially as priests and seminarians. (There were many other points, but this post would go on for about three screens!)

Third, Bishop Murphy made himself available to meet with us individually. To be honest, that may have been one of the highlights of the opening three days. We all “know the Bishop” and the responsibilities and roles he plays in the operation of a Diocese and admittedly, it was a little intimidating to talk to “the Bishop”. Yet, I must say, he was nothing but kind, compassionate, understanding and supportive of my journey, recognizing and identifying some of the challenges I have faced and offering great encouragement and direction. When beginning the retreat, Bishop Murphy said he wanted to lead the retreat because too often bishops are seen as distant or primarily as administrators and he believes they must be seen as spiritual fathers, as brothers, as true shepherds. I can see what he meant and what he hoped to achieve, most especially when I left my meeting with him.

From the retreat, after a weekend at home, we are now in the midst of the Spring semester. We have a different “house” this year – as the five men ordained last year now have parish assignments, eight men have left to begin pastoral year in parishes, four men have returned from pastoral work and five new seminarians have entered! The journey…the transition….continues! Sophomore year is underway!

Freshman Orientation

2010-09-01T04:08:00.000-07:00

This past week, I returned to the Seminary to assist with Transition, a program established to orient the new seminarians as they join this community. (I will still be involved at St. Anne's - more to come on that one!) I remember going through Transition last year. Truthfully with all of the changes in my own life last August, I feel I may have learned more about life in the Seminary this year as opposed to last!

Transition consists of significant information about life in the Seminary and the four pillars of priestly formation. (You can read more about that here and here.) In addition, there is a practical element to Transition – where the library is, how to handle certain situations, going over the seminarian handbook, etc. The hope is that by the end of these days, new seminarians are a little more comfortable with the Seminary and themselves and feel free to ask others if they have questions.

The main focus of the presentations is the four pillars of priestly formation – spiritual, human, academic and pastoral. To present these, Transition includes the following presentations that address a variety of issues related to seminary life (with a brief summary):
-Introduction to the Priestly Formation: On Saturday night, Fr. Peter spoke about the need for seminarians to focus on four specific areas of their own lives in these days ahead: a) the identity of the priest; b) the call to holiness; c) the four pillars and d) the importance of community. Fr. Peter’s talk and presence provided the foundation for the rest of Transition.
-Spiritual Formation: Here, Msgr. Fink and Jason Grisafi, second theologian, presented the spiritual formation program here in the Seminary. This included the importance of daily prayer – private and communal, devotions, Marian prayer, a spiritual director, retreats and so on. Spiritual formation, the work of growing closer and closer to God, provides the foundation for the rest in the life of the seminarian and the priest.
-Liturgical Formation: I worked with Msgr. DeGrocco in this area to talk about both the practical elements of liturgy, the public prayer of the Church as well as some of the internal and personal reflection that must take place. (No one visibly fell asleep during the talk, so that was a good sign!)
-Academic Formation: Sr. Mary Louise Brink and Fortunatus spoke about the importance of study not just for the sake of passing classes but for effective and meaningful ministry as priests in the Church. School work is a large part of this process and Sr. Mary Louise and Fortunatus challenged seminarians to help stay focused on their studies.
-Community Life: Msgr. Swiader, Vice Rector (and my Advisor) and Michael Edathil worked to talk about the opportunities and challenges of human formation, with a special focus on community life. Living in community offers tremendous opportunities for growth and, truthfully, can present some challenges on that as well!
-Pastoral Formation: Msgr. Swiader and Lawrence Onyegu presented this final pillar of formation – the one, some may say, that brings the rest together. Lawrence spoke about his pastoral year at SS. Cyril and Methodius citing how significant his previous work in the seminary prepared him for this experience and how much he learned while on pastoral year.

In addition, we prayed the Liturgy of the Hours as we regularly do at the Seminary, shared meals, and gathered informally to share a little about life here at the Seminary.

Coming to the Seminary for the first time as a seminarian can be daunting. Transition is one effort to alleviate some of the anxiety that can come with this move. I realize how much of a help
it was last year – and how much of a help it has been as I begin my second year in the Seminary!

Today begins our Opening Retreat, led by Bishop Murphy. As we begin this time of prayer, take some time to pray for the new seminarians here at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception as they take a huge step towards priesthood.

The Love Shines Through - en espanol!

2010-08-25T18:15:00.000-07:00

Over the past few weeks, I’ve tried to provide an overview of the many different ministries that make up this vibrant parish community. One of my primary reasons for living and working at St. Anne’s has been to live and to be part of the Spanish community that is so alive here.

Since my first night here in June, I have never failed to feel welcomed and accepted by the entire parish, in general, and specifically the Spanish community. From my first attempts at speaking Spanish at Mass (O Dios mio!) to welcoming me as part of the assembly at Mass, to speaking slowly so I could understand to taking the time to explain different practices, expressions and experiences, this community has shown me nothing but acceptance, love, understanding and compassion – and inspire me to do the same.

St. Anne’s is an active multicultural parish. The English, Spanish and Haitian communities both work to support their individual communities and work for the good of the whole parish. Padre Gonzalo oversees many of the works and ministries of the Spanish community at St. Anne’s. There are so many dedicated ministers and volunteers who lead different aspects of the community. Masses are celebrated in Spanish on Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 9:30 A.M. and during the week on Thursdays at 7:30 P.M. I have tried to attend as many of these liturgies as possible. It is not only a matter of language acquisition but joining in spirit-filled and energizing experiences of prayer and worship.

In addition, there are many services and ministries for the community. There is a huge youth group that meets every Friday night. The young people are true witnesses – serving in the community and gathering for time away to support and challenge one another. There are numerous prayer groups for the Spanish community and tremendous outreach is made to invite many to receive the sacraments.

In addition to all of this, there is great effort made to serve those who come to the parish from different parts of the world. They come with a tremendous humility and work ethic, a desire to contribute and to never feel as if they are a burden. Working at St. Anne’s has made me even more empathetic towards the plight of the immigrant. Many in the Spanish community at St. Anne’s have immigrated to the United States in recent years. They have come in a variety of ways and for a variety of reasons. Most times, there movement to the United States is a desire for safety, a need to support family who remain in their home country or a hope for something greater in America. Our Church has an incredible support for the immigrant – the documented and those without documents. You can read more about the Church’s efforts here and here. (Our own diocese has a Spanish newspaper that can be accessed onlne here.)

I have learned so much about ministry, service and life living here at St. Anne’s. Having the chance to be even a small part of the Spanish community has made a great difference. I’m surely a better person because of it.

Reaching Out in Love with Outreach

2010-08-18T04:47:00.000-07:00

As we continue in the month of August, I have tried to reflect about my opportunity to be involved in a number of ministries at St. Anne’s. Like many parishes, St. Anne’s has a vital and powerful Parish Outreach that serves the local community of Brentwood – and what a service it is!

Outreach is a ministry that is unique to each parish, particularly on Long Island. Each community, like each family, has different needs and therefore requires different methods and ways to serve the community. As I’ve written before, the community of St. Anne’s is a generous and life-giving one. At the same time, there is great need here among a diversity of peoples.

Outreach here is presently coordinated by a strong, core group of volunteers. They operate every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday to assist those who come to the door. Many times clients will come for the basic of needs – food for themselves and their family. Yet, that is only the beginning and often serves as “opening” to find out about additional needs and to learn about the ways the parish can help and assist them. No one comes and is simply pushed along to the food pantry. Rather, they are invited in, met with a sense of welcome and compassion and invited to share whatever concerns and needs they may have. This can range from assistance with immigration paperwork, a need for support in confronting situations of injustice or violence or helping those without shelter to find a place to stay for a night or two.

The volunteers here work so hard to respect the dignity of those who seek help and support. They have learned new languages to better communicate, discovered and provided connections to community resources and built up the spirit of each client. That’s important for in many cases it is so hard for someone to come forward and seek that support. How hard it is for any one of us to admit our vulnerability and need.

Serving those who come to St. Anne’s is only the beginning for these volunteers. They are also committed to advocating for those in the community. They attend many workshops and conferences to learn about ways they can better support their clients. They have joined local community organizations to make Brentwood a better place to live (here’s one example). And, perhaps most importantly, they invite, educate and form the entire parish community about the responsibility of each and every one of us to reach out to and assist the most vulnerable among us.

Historical Perspectives

2010-08-07T07:47:00.000-07:00

Last week, I spoke with Maureen Doolan-Boyle. I know Maureen initially because her wonderful children went to SJB! However, I learned over those year that she has a great connection to St. Anne's and is one of the founding members of the Hospitality Too Soup Kitchen. I snuck over to post this (we have a little down time this morning) to share with you her e-mail to me:

"I am so very happy that you are in St. Anne's! What a wonderful experience with such good, hard working people. The challenges we saw in that community were so very different from what we had seen in any other parish we ever belonged to. The generosity of spirit and the mingling of cultures in this community were some of the best gifts we ever could have given our children as they were growing up. We were active members of St. Anne's for about 20 yrs. The people of St. Anne's were there for us when we needed them and even when we thought we were giving back they were still teaching us and sharing the spirit.

I knew about Dorothy Day before St. Anne's but I "met" her in the old school basement on a cold November morning when discussion of the peanut butter and jelly gang first came together. I learned about dignity within poverty in a way I had never known from this experience. I also learned that not all those who are in need are gracious and thankful but it is just as important to give to and serve them with a happy heart as it is to those who seem more grateful. I saw conversion for the first time through the Little Rock Scripture Studies right before my eyes. Where grown men, only there to just get out of the house (or so they said) found their faith and then lived it. I saw people on Sundays coming to Mass who were very, very flawed (just like myself) but you could just tell that they honestly were doing the best that they could. In other communities I think that many people just had the means to hide their flaws (inside and out) but here they were accepted and in this way honest- I am who I am. What you saw is what you got and as strange as that may seem- it was refreshing.

I saw young families coming to Mass with children dressed in their Sunday best and every Sunday they were wearing the exact same dress or suit because it was the ONLY dress or suit they had and it was saved for Mass and special occasions. Sure there were flip flops and inappropriate t-shirts but the women wearing skirts and the fathers in collared shirts stood out and impressed me and reminded me how important it was make the effort. I had never before seen ushers who were responsible for stopping people after Communion from taking the Eucharist home. This never would have occurred to me but it has stayed with me. There was a reverence in this parish that was felt because it was challenged and the sacredness of the Mass became more important I think because of this.

Being an RC was not the only game in town- how many churches are there in Brentwood? TONS right? There are plenty of options for those who are interested and amazingly St. Anne's and the Roman Catholic church was where these people chose to be on any given Sunday. Over and over again simple things within the Mass and within the American RC culture needed to be explained (during Mass) for those who were "checking it out" or new to the community/culture and as someone who was born and raised an RC this old time education was really surprisingly helpful and a wonderful reminder of why Catholics do the things that they do.

I hope that you not only enjoy your experience at St. Annes and that meet as many wonderful people as we did while living there."

My experiences here at St. Anne's are not new - this community has been changing lives for many years!

The Love Shines Through in Baptism

2010-07-19T06:56:00.000-07:00

I have been living and working at St. Anne’s for a month as of today – and what a month it has been. I have learned much about parish ministry, working with different cultural communities and the “ins and outs” of priestly living and work. Needless to say, there is much more for me to learn but these have been good days and hopefully will continue to be in the months ahead.

One of the many “new” areas I have worked at St. Anne’s is the Baptism Ministry. One to two nights a week, I help the staff here interview parents who come to the Church seeking baptism for their child. I must tell you, at first, I did not think this would be that engaging. Yet it has been a wonderful opportunity to understand the power of the sacraments of the Church and the real desire of so many to be more involved in the life of the Church. It has been a real source of hope for me!

First, I have come to see and better understand the “requirements” for Baptism for the Church. This can sometimes be a challenge for those unfamiliar with the Church in general, or the Church in America, particularly for those new to the country. It is an opportunity for learning and formation and has actually, in my limited experience, encouraged some families to approach the sacrament differently. For example, they might reconsider why they originally considered a certain person to be a godfather or godmother. It has brought about some good dialogue, even between the two parents at the interview itself.

Second, and most exciting for me, it is wonderful to see the enthusiasm that young families bring with them to this meeting. They’re excited and want this beautiful sacrament for their child. It’s also good, for one who does not understand parenthood firsthand, to see this excitement and enthusiasm as well as the challenges that come with this vital vocation in the life of the Church. How affirming and wonderful it is to see the person you met on Wednesday search you out at Mass on Sunday to say hello and to see them “parenting in action”.

Third, it’s a reminder to build on that enthusiasm. It can sometimes be easy to get caught in the cynicism. Baptisms are celebrated every Saturday at St. Anne’s and they are filled through October. It would be dishonest to say that all who come to the interview are actively engaged in the life of the parish. Yet, what a tremendous opportunity for the evangelizing and welcoming spirit – the love - of the Church to shine through. Gently inviting these families to become involved in the life of St. Anne’s receives a range of reactions – some positive, some not so much. Yet, I hope and pray, that the gentle spirit of welcome and hospitality offered in these moments might serve as an inspiration and reminder of the Church that is always calling people to come home.

What a great experience this continues to be!

The Love Shines Through Grief

2010-07-13T05:52:00.000-07:00

As I live and learn here at St. Anne’s, I continually recognize the power and importance of so many of the ministries present in this parish community. This past week, I have been involved with the Ministry of Consolation. It’s an amazing ministry – one present in many parishes – that brings the power of community and Church to those who mourning the loss of a loved one.

The ministry started here about two years ago under the guidance of another seminarian – now Fr. David Regan. In many ways, this ministry provides the comfort and direction a family in grief needs so they don’t need to think or worry about the many details linked to the loss of a loved one. This allows those who are suffering to fully appreciate and enter into the wake service, funeral liturgy and burial of their loved one.

For those who might not be familiar, here’s how the ministry works (I’m sure it’s similar in other parishes, too.) When the parish is notified about the death of a parishioner, a minister of consolation is called and she (or he) gathers a team of fellow ministers to work with and assist a grieving family. Members of the team invite the family to St. Anne’s, visit them at the funeral home or in their own home (whatever is best for them). Here, they walk the family through the entire process – explaining the process, working with a family to plan out the funeral mass, including selecting appropriate readings and hymns, and seeking to include as many members of the family as possible in the vigil service and funeral mass. All of this information is shared with the team and the Celebrant of the liturgy so he, too, is part of the planning of the liturgy.

The Vigil service generally takes place at the funeral home on the afternoon or evening before the funeral Mass. The Church calls us to keep watch, to keep “vigil” before their loved one. We do this by greeting those who visit us, praying in community at a simple prayer service and preparing for the Funeral Mass the next day. A member or two from the team generally attends the wake service and is present in case the family has any last minute questions or concerns.

On the day of the funeral, the ministers are once again present. They greet the family as they arrive, assist them with whatever they need for the liturgy (even thinking of tissues if they’re upset!) and provide them with a worship aid so they can participate in the liturgy without flipping through missalettes, etc. They pray with the family and help them throughout the liturgy, especially if they are taking a part in the liturgy (reading, placing the pall on the casket, bringing up the gifts, etc.). More than anything they do, their presence bears incredible witness to those who are grieving and upset.

These past weeks, I have had the opportunity to serve at some funerals and lead a wake service. One of the things that has stuck with me is the mystery of the Church community. It’s the first time that I have had to lead a wake service or offer a reflection at the service of someone who I really did not know personally. At first, truthfully, it felt a little uncomfortable, even a little bit less than genuine. However, as I have thought and reflected on my experiences here, I’ve come to realize that it is not necessarily about any one of us and/or our personal relationship that is most important. It’s our openness to be witnesses to and ministers of the hope and consolation that comes with new life in Christ!

Hospitality Too - The Love Keeps Shining Through!

2010-07-05T08:52:00.001-07:00

As I live and work here at St. Anne’s, I am beginning to understand the depth of commitment of both the parish and the local community to those most in need. There are many areas to reflect upon and we’ll do that in the weeks ahead.

One example of this depth is the parish’s commitment and support of the Hospitality Too Soup Kitchen which began in 1988 (?). The Hospitality Too Soup Kitchen is open every Saturday morning but the volunteer efforts require activity throughout the week (from wash up kits on Wednesdays, to food pick ups from local businesses throughout the week to numerous letters and requests for help and support that must be written. (In our local community, it’s often referred to as the “Peanut Butter and Jelly Gang”.) Admittedly, I don’t know as much about the “behind-the-scenes” work as I hope I will one day. The experience of Saturday mornings is one to emulate in our own communities.

The work begins usually around 7:30 A.M. as volunteers come to set up the space. The Parish of St. Anne’s provides the space for the work of the Soup Kitchen and has doneso for a number of years. Even when things in the parish have had to move, a place was always held for Hospitality Too. Presently, the soup kitchen operates out of the Church basement (where there is Air Conditioning!).

Around 8:00 A.M. , donations are sorted, bags prepared and the basement is set up to become a “sandwich factory” of sorts as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are made for the homeless and organizations that work with them in the local communities. After the set up is complete, around 9:00 A.M., the day begins with prayer led by a member of the community. Then, the first part of the day begins as thousands (literally) of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are made, packaged, boxed and either stored, picked up by or dropped off to local homeless advocacy groups.

After sandwiches are completed, prayers of thanksgiving are offered and the work of the meal gets underway. An unbelievably dedicated crew of regular volunteers makes all of this work, yet they are welcoming of the many new people chipping in (like me!) and getting involved. Bags of bread are prepared, take home meals are organized for each guest, tables are set (with flowers on each one) and the doors opened for the many guests who will come.

Lunch begins promptly at 11 A.M. with a prayer of blessing. A long “soup line”, if you will, forms and nearly two hundred people (the number varies each week) join the community for lunch. Special assistance is given to the elderly, those with children and those who struggle to handle lunch on their in any way. It’s clear a sense of community forms between the guests themselves and those here to serve them each week. What an experience!

After lunch, and only after everyone has been served and is finished, clean up begins in earnest. Never the most exciting part of the meal, it’s done relatively quickly as everyone chips in to get things together.

I have had the privilege of volunteering here before and never fail to leave encouraged and inspired to keep going. The spirit of those who operate the Hospitality Too Soup Kitchen, the commitment of the volunteers, the gratitude of the guests and the presence of so much “faith in action” cannot help but inspire all of us to keep on going! There aren't too many experiences more formation than this one.

(To learn more about the work of the Hospitality Too Soup Kitchen, you can join their group entitled, “The Peanut Butter and Jelly Gang” on Facebook. The pictures here are from that site and they are scarce as great sensitivity to confidentiality of the guests who come here. )

Following Witnesses

2010-07-04T05:10:00.001-07:00

Check out these two websites that detail the work of young people from St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in West Islip.

Our Lady of Lourdes Mission Awareness Trip 2010

St. John the Baptist Mission Outreach: Peru

They'll be updated daily throughout the weeks ahead...certainly a wonderful chance to see many putting their faith and beliefs into action (and probably enjoying a few light moments as the week progresses, too!)

A Week in the Life

2010-06-28T20:41:00.000-07:00

I have worked through my first week of living and being present at St. Anne’s Parish in Brentwood. I thought it might be interesting to describe what I have learned in just this first week of parish life.

It is hard to maintain a consistent daily rhythm. In the seminary, our schedules are pretty structured (Prayer at certain times, classes at others, meals, etc.). I am learning that the same may not be possible in the everyday routine of parish life. Sure some things I can control (waking up at a certain time, etc.) but there are many others I cannot. In my first week, I don’t think my “plan for the day” worked out once. Maybe it’s a phone call in Outreach that requires some more attention than anticipated, working with other Pastoral Team members on a Friday night prayer service or trying to learn the “ins and outs” of the parish’s Ministry of Consolation. Before you know it the day is almost over and no two days are the same. That can be hard – and something I’m working to adjust to while I’m here.

Second, my experiences this week have taken me to a number of different areas of parish life. I have worked with members of the Parish Finance staff and volunteers in organizing parish collections and banking. I learned some new things about how basic parish finances work. I have had the chance to work with the volunteers in Parish Outreach (this will be a separate posting later) and serve a few Outreach clients. This week, I also have the opportunity to work with the parish’s Ministry of Consolation. This ministry helps families who have lost a loved one to plan and celebrate the funeral mass.

My time in the parish has also given me the opportunity to participate in the parish’s prayer life. I attend Mass each day in the parish (usually at 12) and that helps to establish some consistency in my day – and what better moment to build a day around. Members of St. Anne’s pray the Rosary daily, have daily Masses in a number of languages (yes I attend the Spanish Mass on Thursday nights) and celebrate Eucharistic Adoration on Thursday afternoons. In the area of prayer, I had the chance to work with members of the Pastoral Team on a special prayer service on Friday night. They even asked me to lead a part of it, which was quite humbling. The prayer service – concluding the Year for Priests – honored the three parish priests at St. Anne’s, included many different parishioners from different segments of parish life and was well attended by the parish community.

Much of my experience this week ahs included meeting and learning from individual parishioners. This is perhaps the highlight that brings it all together. Whether it be meeting someone in the parish office, greeting people after Mass, helping set up for an event or working behind the scenes at something – I have met wonderful, wonderful people. They have not only told me about the history of St. Anne’s and their role in the parish but have shown me what it is to be women and men of faith.

May I develop even half the faith and good will as the people of St. Anne's in the years to come!

Greetings from the "Mother Church of Beautiful Brentwood"!

2010-06-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

Greetings from St. Anne’s Parish in Brentwood – the “Mother Church of Beautiful Brentwood”. As I wrote in the last post, this is part of my summer pastoral assignment – an opportunity to experience a diverse, dynamic and active parish community. There is no doubt this parish community is all of those things! I arrived here on Saturday after three weeks at the Southeast Pastoral Institute and the welcome extended to me has been more than I could ever have expected.

The hope of pastoral assignments for seminarians is that our experiences will “push” us a bit and challenge us to undertake and work through various parts of the priestly life. St. Anne’s, for these reasons and others, is a good fit for me. Here are some (but not all) the reasons why….

Living in a Rectory. This is the first time in my life I am living in a Rectory. It is different living than the seminary. There are three priests who live and work at St. Anne’s – Fr. Frank Nelson, the pastor, Fr. Gonzalo and Fr. Eden. They have each been welcoming and wonderful in their own ways. I have a room and a place to work (where I’m typing from right now). The priests of this rectory gather for dinner together most nights and encounter each other in various ways throughout the day. The kitchen table, I’m learning, is a key spot!

A Diverse Parish. St. Anne’s is different than other communities I have been part of. There is a rich and large diversity present here that is part of the entire community. Masses are celebrated in English, Spanish and French Creole. (Yes – I spoke in Spanish when I introduced myself at the Spanish masses – !O Dios Mio!) Not only are liturgies and ministries in different languages but great efforts are made to make sure these three communities come together for prayer, recreation and service of those in need in the community.

Being the Seminarian. It is different living and working as a seminarian as opposed to having a “specific” job or role. In many ways, the same is probably said for parish priests. It is hard to focus solely on one specific parish ministry when there is so much happening. So I hope to be involved in lots of things and it looks like that will happen, for sure! On my first day I learned a lot about the community and was able to learn about some financial aspects of parish life – very important learning for a seminarian. I can see already where each day will bring new and surprising challenges!

So I am back in New York and hopefully building off of my experiences from the last year and the last three weeks!

Have a great week!

Escuela de verano (Summer School)

2010-06-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Miami, Florida. This week is my last week of study at the Southeast Pastoral Institute in Miami. I am here studying, living and breathing Spanish in the hopes that I may one day be able to minister and serve in those communities on Long Island. It has been a wonderful, yet challenging two weeks on a number of levels.

First, learning a new language at any point is not easy. I knew that coming here and I was right. Honestly, Spanish appears to be an easier language to comprehend. It’s much less confusing than English. Yet trying to learn something new after 34 years of a whole different language is a bit overwhelming. (It is humbling and that in and of itself is a good lesson learned.) We have great teachers and things are moving a long. I am certainly in better shape than when I started on May 30th but still have a lot of work to do! I will leave here with a good learning experience and a significant amount of materials to follow up with as well!

Second, it has been good to gain a better understanding of the work of Hispanic ministry in the Church. This is one of the largest minority populations in America and it is growing. The Church has done a lot to serve and minister to this community but there is much more to do. I think of Spanish speaking people in New York where I live and how hard it must be to get a command of a new language and culture. Today, for example, I went to a Spanish Mass at St. Timothy’s Church. It was not easy to follow along – I wonder how challenging it must be for the Spanish speaking in our communities who are trying their best to “follow along” at Mass, school, work, etc. I’m finding it hard and it’s only school. For others, it is a life need. I think, too, of the men I live with at the Seminary – particularly those who come from other countries – who have to learn English to even participate in school and life in the Church here.

Third, this has been a sort of retreat experience, too. SEPI is overseen by the Piarist Fathers. Three priests and one seminarian (who stayed here through his vacation to work at SEPI) have been with us throughout the week.. They are good, humble and holy men (and they speak almost always in Spanish). So speaking in Spanish at meals is a must. Good challenge. Additionally, we pray the Liturgy of the Hours with them (in Spanish) and Mass is celebrated every day here at 12 Noon. Their welcome, patience, perspective and vision have helped to make this not only a time of education but of reflection as well.

We have four days left and while it has been a wonderful experience here it will be good to go home. For the summer, seminarians work with their advisors to develop good and balanced formational experiences. This has certainly been the case for me. The weeks here have taught me a lot and I begin living and working at St. Anne’s Parish in Brentwood next weekend. Things are moving along!

A Woman of the Resurrection

2010-06-04T18:34:00.000-07:00

Greetings from the Southeast Pastoral Institute in Miami. I originally intended this week’s posting to be about my work in attempting to learn Spanish. That will have to wait until next week.

Upon leaving New York, I learned some very sad news. Mrs. Theresa McBride, a former teacher, moderator, mentor and, most importantly, friend passed away after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease and complications associated with that disease. This past year has been a challenging one for Mrs. McBride as she has undergone a number of hospitalizations, faced living life differently and the death of her son. I hope and pray (and know) she’s at peace.

I have had much time, this week, to pray, reflect and think about the influence this “woman of the resurrection” has on me

I first met Mrs. McBride when I was a sophomore at St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School. Mrs. McBride had just become the moderator of The Prophet, the school newspaper, and I the overeager, hyper sophomore who lived for the school newspaper. From that point on, our relationship grew from a teacher-student to a mentor-mentee to friends. She is part of the reason I desired to become a teacher and committed to ministry in the life in the Church.

I have many great stories of our many years working and sharing life together. A few stand out and please indulge me as I share three of the stories below. During one of my first years as the Campus Minister, I asked Mrs. McBride to talk at a special Stations of the Cross prayer service before the entire school community. The reflection was about the challenges of pain and destruction in family and touched on a number of personal issues. She was so nervous but so wonderful. She witnessed to the entire community – who previously only saw her in the role of “teacher” - that with faith, hope and the support of family and friends any obstacle can be overcome. She never spoke to me about her fear but I knew it was tough. Yet, there was no need to complain. She needed to be there for the community, to show them the way.

This past June, Mrs. McBride came back on my last “official” day at St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School. It was not an easy task for her to get to SJB but she insisted on being there. There was no reason to complain. She just needed to be there. She made me sit down (not always easy to do) and she reminded what a good decision I had made no matter how hard it might be and wondered what “took you so long. I’ve been waiting for this for years.” She was anointed that day at our Closing Mass. Again, she witnessed not only to me but to the community of her tremendous faith in the midst of an illness.

I could not attend her funeral on Thursday because of my studies here, but friends tell me the celebrant preached about the women of the resurrection. All four Gospels reveal the often quiet but vital role the women played in the resurrection story. What a great image. They didn’t complain or even say much in the midst of their pain and struggle. There was no need to complain. They needed to be there so others could see.

Since June, we communicated mostly via e-mail with some visits, including one she made to the Seminary in November. Mrs. McBride had developed other health symptoms that made simple things more difficult yet she insisted on being present. There was no need to complain. Just needed to be there. (There, she also gave me great advice about the Holy Land and some money for lunch in Jersualem! :))

I’ve written before that vocation does not happen with out the loving support and example of those around us. And I’ve written before about witnesses who continue to inspire me in this life. Mrs. McBride is certainly one of those poeple.

I last communicated with Mrs. McBride via e-mail. She had just read this blog and warned me about staying up too late to post things. She acknowledged the increasing burden of sickness but did not let it get her down. Her e-mail concluded, “I really want more than anything to see you ordained. That is one of my remaining goals.”

It may not work out the way any of us perhaps planned and I'm unsure it ever does. Yet, there’s no need to complain. Like any good person of the resurrection, she’ll be there helping others, including me, to see.

Back to School

2010-05-27T20:01:00.000-07:00

Even though the semester ended last week, this has been a busy week for the seminary community. On Monday and Tuesday, we visited Elementary and High Schools and on Wednesday and Thursday we participated in a Priests Symposium as part of the Church’s Year for Priests. While each event this past week provided positive experiences, Tuesday topped them all.

On Tuesday, I “officially” returned to St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School for one of the Vocation presentations. Words cannot express what a great day it was for me to return to a community that has done so much for me. The day was a great one for a lot of reasons:

First, I was uncertain what it would feel like to go back to SJB, especially in this new role. The second I walked in the door I felt like I had never left. The warm welcome, excited response and great words of support reminded me of how fortunate I am to be a part of this great community.

Second, I asked John Kwon, a fellow seminarian, to share the presentation with me. I think he was a little reluctant to speak before hundreds of kids in a Catholic high school (not to mention giving up valuable time off in the midst of a busy week). John is from the Diocese of Daejeon, South Korea and it is only his second year speaking English and living on the mainland of America. Whatever his reluctance may have been, he worked right through it as he gave the students at St. John’s a great personal reflection about making the sacrifice to enter the seminary and his hopes and dreams for priesthood.

Two things that stand out from John’s talk were summed up by one of the Religious Studies teachers who e-mailed yesterday. First, he spoke about the influence of a parish priest in South Korea who helped his family through a difficult time. His presence inspired John to want to make the same difference in the lives of others. Second, John talked about the absence that can be felt in relationships. He had a powerful statement, “I thirst to be loved” and said he has only had that thirst satisfied in his relationship with God. What a powerful witness he offered (and offers) on Tuesday.

I have written before about the benefit of working together with other seminarians, particularly through the parish visits and other projects we’ve been involved in. Spending the day working with John was a good thing for me and for the students we spoke to on Tuesday. First, it was great to show him an American high school and a little bit about my "former" life. Second, John is a great person to share life with here at the Seminary. He’s a good witness to me about keeping focused on what is important both inside and outside of the seminary. I realized that more as I listened and worked with him throughout the day. I suspect he impacted the community at St. John the Baptist in the same way he has done for me.

Well tonight is my last night at the Seminary for this year. On Sunday, I leave for a three week Spanish institute. More to come soon!

Have a great week!

Soon to be Father John Ryan - A Character and a Man of Character

2010-05-21T12:54:00.000-07:00

It’s hard to believe the first “year” of seminary life is drawing to a close! Life at the end of the year here has prevented me from posting these last few weeks. But, now, classes are finished and we have about a week left of seminary and outside activities. I’ll write about those next week.

Today as part of the closing ritual for the school year, the seminarians in third year offer testament to the seminarians preparing to be ordained this June. I was asked to offer a reflection about Deacon John Ryan. John is from Our Lady of Lourdes, has become a great friend and a true guide through this first year of seminary life. Here’s the text of my talk:

Many gathered here can tell colorful and lively stories of priestly “characters”. Our churches and parishes are filled with them. The stories we sometimes are even embarrassed to tell or can’t get through without laughing about men called to serve God as priests. I think many today would agree that John Ryan is well on the path to becoming one of the “characters”.

It is not since I started living here this past year that I realized what a true character he is. There have been times when he has said something and I said to myself, “Did he really just say that?” …the various imitations and comedy bits and testimonials he’s been part of (and I’ve only been here a year!)…knowing exactly what button to push (in a good way)…being able to reach out to many segments of our seminary community. Yet he offers me and, I think, all of us here a challenge – that we, too, might be characters.

You see, people who are characters are often some of the most authentic people we will ever meet. It is not that they don’t care what other people think. It is that they have come to know themselves so well they are not easily swayed or influenced by the words or ideas of another. For they have done the difficult work of self-reflection and discernment. Yes, John Ryan is surely a character, but I propose and I think you’d agree, he is a man of character. He is a man who knows who he is and who he is not.

I hope this is not a formation issue, but truth be told, John Ryan is part of the reason I finally came to the Seminary. I'll probably have to talk to Msgr. Swiader about this later. More than once, we would talk during one of his visits to Our Lady of Lourdes or even over this past summer about seminary life and priesthood. In my own anxiety and doubt, he would encourage often with a line like, “Hey, I’m making it there. If I can do it, trust me, you’re going to be fine” or in the midst of the first weeks here at the Seminary, the quick check ins to make sure I was OK or the invitations to go for a walk and sort through a new and life changing experience. I don’t think I would have been and know I cannot be that open and vulnerable with just anyone but I can with a person of authenticity- a character and a person of character like John Ryan.

As many of you may know, John and I have a lot in common - the beautiful red hair, the common hometown of West Islip, strong connections to the same parish. We also both have backgrounds in catering and restaurant work. John and I have often talked that some our best formational experiences, in addition to the seminary, have been our experiences in deli and restaurant work and catering. As you know, John, like most of us, left a lot to come here. He could be running a business or working in restaurant management. I’d even suggest he could be on the concert circuit singing “Bridge Over Troubled Water” with Paul Simon. But that’s another talk. The idea of serving or waiting on others involves emptying, humility, discouragement, joy and frustration. It builds character and comes from people of character. It helps one to realize it is not all about them – but rather bringing something great to others. Good servants, good waiters get out of the way so people can get to the meal, so they can come to the table. Priests of good character do the same with the Meal and the Table.

John Ryan is going to be a great priest because he is man of great character. His humility, gentleness and good humor – all qualities of a good waiter – will call those he serves not to focus on him or themselves. Rather, he will get out of the way and lead them to the Table – to discover the presence of God in their own lives. That’s the kind of priestly character I think we will be talking about for years and years to come when we talk about Father John Ryan.

A Regular Sunday

2010-05-02T18:40:00.000-07:00

This weekend is our first “regular” Sunday since the beginning of the semester. As I recognized this for myself, I realized I haven’t written about a typical Sunday is about for the community here.

Sunday in the life of the Christian should be a day set apart. We celebrate the Lord’s Day on Sunday. Catholic attend Mass and should set aside the whole day for Sabbath – for rest, family, prayer and fellowship. The reality of our lives of late is that this is harder and harder for many of us to do. That’s a topic for another post.

The Seminary community sets Sunday aside too. It has a different rhythm so that this day may be different than the others; that this day may be a time to pray, reflect, renew and grow away from the weekly schedule of classes, meetings, etc.

Here’s an overview of our Sundays….
9:00 A.M. – Morning Prayer. We pray Morning Prayer every morning we are here. On
Sundays, we start a little later.
10/10:30 A.M. – Conference. Each Sunday, the Rector, Vice Rector or Spiritual Director hold a conference. Today, for example, Fr. Peter led the final Rector’s Conference for the Spring Semester. One of the ideas, I think, is to listen to that and with the time built into the day reflect on the main ideas of the conference. Fr. Peter spoke about charity and love today and gave us much to think about.
11:30 A.M. – Mass. This community Mass is different from our regular daily liturgy. First, only seminarians attend the Sunday liturgy. There is more singing, the homily is directed primarily to the seminarians and we work to plan and minister throughout the Liturgy. We also dress in cassock and surplice for Sunday liturgy.
12:30 P.M. – Lunch – enough said!
1:00 – 5:00 P.M. – Free time. This is a time to catch up on school work, enjoy the outdoors, catch up with some friends, or take a break for a few hours. Today, for example, I did some school work outside as the weather was wonderful. The picture above shows my outdoor view today.
5:00 P.M. – Evening Prayer. Evening Prayer on Sundays is more formal. We process in with the Paschal Candle and sing all of the psalms and canticles. A seminarian preaches at Sunday Evening Prayer which is also a great opportunity for both the seminarian and the community. Tonight, Dwayne Davis preached about the promise of hope and how we must seek that out in our lives.
5:30 P.M. – Social. After Evening Prayer, we gather in the Faculty Lounge for a Sunday Social. This is a chance to catch up with one another, talk about our weekends and even look forward to the week ahead.
6:00 P.M. – Dinner. We gather for a formal dinner on Sunday nights. An “alley” sets up and serves the meal. Tonight, my alley, 3-B, set up and serve. The dinner is a little fancier, tablecloths, etc. but the community is still the same. These last two events can seem out of place at times, I admit that. Yet, it helps to highlight the significance of Sunday dinner and also is probably good preparation for many a parish social and/or dinner in the future.
7:00 P.M - ???. Free Time. Here again is some time to catch up, finish up some class work, take a walk, or even updates one’s blog (:)) as I’m doing right now.

So the Sunday pace is different and I realized missed a bit. Between speaking in parishes, guests here for Palm Sunday and our breaks, this is our first “regular” Sunday since early February. It is good to have some of that rhythm back.

Have a great week!

Last Stop: St. Mary's Manhasset

2010-04-26T19:55:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, found Daniel Opoku-Mensah and myself speaking at St. Mary’s in Manhasset. This is the last weekend in this Spring semester that seminarians visited parishes.
St. Mary’s is an incredible place. First, it’s in Nassau which is a distant land for someone from the South Shore of Suffolk. Second, there are so many things happening in this parish. There is a high school, elementary school, incredible youth ministry program, faith formation, outreach and so much more – they have their own Gift Shop! Third, the priests and people here helped to make it a great weekend as well. They supported, affirmed, and encouraged both Daniel and myself in work and life at the Seminary.

There is a sadness and that our parish visitations are complete. Sadness because this has been a tremendous opportunity for me personally and I think the seminarians in general. I don’t often speak about my own vocation story so it has been a good “push” for me. Second, it has been wonderful to be present in parishes throughout the Diocese and to learn about the diversity and excitement present in so many of our parishes. It also has been a good opportunity to work on a project with a fellow seminarian in a way that we would not normally work. While we were not at the seminary, a sense of community continues to form. For example, this weekend it was great to spend time getting to know more about Daniel's journey to the Seminary from the Diocese of Konongo-Mampong in Ghana and to share a weekend of experiences together. Finally, and perhaps most important, we learned a tremendous amount about priestly ministry over these past weeks.

As we return to the Seminary and gain back some of the “rhythm” of seminary life again, the Spring semester is coming to an end. Bring on the papers and finals!

Have a great week.

St. Patrick’s, Bay Shore – “FORTUNATE US”

2010-04-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Fortunatus Mugisha and I visited and spoke at St. Patrick’s R.C. Church in Bay Shore. For me, it was a homecoming of sorts. I lived and worked in West Islip my entire life. Spending the weekend at St. Patrick’s allowed me to return to an area I am very familiar and comfortable with and to meet many wonderful individuals and families – some familiar and some brand new.

It was great travel to St. Patrick’s with Fortunatus (photo, right). He is actually a local celebrity at St. Patrick’s. Last Christmas break, Fortunatus lived in the parish during his Christmas break. The day before we arrived in St. Patrick’s, Fortunatus and the parish learned that he would be spending his pastoral year (Fall 2010 and Spring 2011) in the parish. As St. Patrick’s pastor, Fr. Thomas Coogan (photo, below left) said, it is “fortunate us” for having Fortunatus in the parish. If you met Fortunatus, who comes from the Diocese of Kabel in Uganda, you’d quickly agree.

Each parish I have visited offers so much to the people they are called to serve. Of course, they have many things in common. In addition, each parish has opened my mind and heart to new possibilities for ministry and service. In addition to Fortunatus’ celebrity status :), St. Patrick’s holds a monthly Mass for Children with Special Needs on the third Saturday evening of every month. I had the chance to meet some of the children and families who attended that Mass as the liturgy ended on Saturday evening.

What a tremendous outreach St. Patrick’s offers to these families! Once a month a special liturgy is help in the Coffey Center. It is a smaller space and allows families to come together to hear God’s Word and pray together. For some, the formal experience of Church can be tough and sometimes too structured. For others there may be fear of embarrassment or of being distraction. For sure – all are welcome at God’s table! This is just another way that St. Patrick’s puts that into action. Celebrated traditionally by Msgr. Emmett Fagan (who lives here at the Seminary), the Mass is a tremendous service to God’s people at St. Patrick’s!

The parish also provides respite for parents. Children can stay with trained volunteers on Saturday nights. This gives the kids time to play with one another and give their parents some time together too!

So the speaking tour continues…next week, St. Mary’s in Manhasset. In some small way I hope we are able to invite others to think about priesthood and religious life. In some large ways, we are gaining much more than we can ever hope to offer. Indeed, “FORTUNATE-US!”

Rector's Conferences

2010-04-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

“The rector’s conferences are especially helpful in aiding students to interpret rightly their life in common, their discernment of vocation to the priesthood, and the human and spiritual virtues they strive to appropriate.”
-Program for Priestly Formation, 267

I’ve written before about the role of the Rector, in general, and the Rector here, Fr. Peter Vaccari. The Rector carries out numerous tasks and responsibilities. One of these is a monthly Rector’s Conference. This takes place in every seminary. (Archbishop Dolan has put together a book of his Rector’s Conferences from the time he was a Seminary Rector. It’s a great book!) Each month, the seminarians meet with Fr. Peter, usually in the Main Chapel, for a time of information and formation.

Tonight, on the first day back from the Easter break, we gathered in the Chapel for the April Rector’s Conference. In this semester, Fr. Peter has examined each of the theological virtues (faith, hope and love) and how they need to be cultivated and realized in the life of each seminarian and priest.

Fr. Peter spoke about hope tonight and there were three main points for the seminarians – and perhaps for each person who reads this. (These are not Fr. Peter’s exact words just the ideas I left the Chapel with tonight.)

1. A priest must be a person who emanates hope. As seminarians and priests, our presence must demonstrate that we are people of hope. In welcoming, reaching out and even challenging, our faces should reveal what is in our heart. Our speech - in every work we speak - should be spirit and hope-filled. This leads to the second point.
2. You cannot give what you do not have. We cannot preach, live, speak about or emanate hope if we do not believe it ourselves. We are called to pray, reflect and talk about our feelings of hopefulness and perhaps even more importantly, in times of hopelessness. We can never be authentic disciples if we are not honestly engaged in consistent self-examination and reflection, particularly when it comes to hope.
3. Be aware of false hope. Fr. Peter’s last point, at first, may appear relevant for seminarians and priests but I think has a message for each of us. It is easy to imagine ourselves in a certain role or career, i.e. I hope to be assigned to a certain parish, or be the “Director” of this, or have this particular job or something like that. It’s unrealistic. It is not who we are called to be as priests (or as people). It’s a false hope, one bound to leave us disappointed and discouraged.

Now this is only one Rector’s Conference so you can imagine what a year’s worth of them offers. It is another part of the formational process and one that has been a huge source of inspiration and support.

This particular conference, offered in the Easter season and on the first day of a new semester, gives much for me (and hopefully all of us) to think, pray and reflect upon!

Vulnerability

2010-04-02T07:36:00.000-07:00

Part of the formational process at the Seminary involves Liturgical Formation, including preaching. Today, Good Friday, I preached at the Morning Prayer service. Below is a basic text of my first seminary preaching text, based on the text of Isaiah 52:13-15 and the spirit of the day...

In so many ways we seek to tie these three days together. What can be a thread for us as come to prayer this morning from last night’s liturgy and prepare for the Easter Vigil. I would like to propose that the “VULNERABILITY” might be a thread for each one of us here today to consider. The vulnerability evidenced in last night’s Liturgy – the one who washes feet as well as the vulnerability it takes to have one’s feet washed – to serve and be served. The vulnerability and emptiness required to accept and embrace God’s saving love for us throughout history and in Jesus we will celebrate tomorrow. And today, the vulnerability required to accept the cross, the model the suffering servant offers – that we might accept and even embrace our vulnerabilities and emptiness.

In my previous ministry as a high school campus minister and social worker, one of my responsibilities involved helping to coordinate a comprehensive support group program to address student needs and concerns. So groups were offered in everything from Eating Disorders to Divorce/Separation, Bereavement and many more. To “advertise” or inform the student body about it we’d visit every class in the building, explain each group, and invite kids to sign up. Hundreds did. Were some of the antics those of high school teenagers? Surely. Yet a tremendous majority were the writings of young people looking for help and unsure where to turn. Aware of their vulnerability, uncertain they could fully enter into them.

Our work after the sign up involved interviewing each student to determine their interest nad issue and then provide them a pass for the first meeting. The numbers surely dropped from sign up to the time of the first meeting. See, even at that age many could sign up but few could show up. Many could check off a box, but few could fully embrace their vulnerabilities in the hope that something greater might come about. Those who showed up, whether they realized it or not, entered into the cross. We, too, must do the same.

The challenge of these three days for all Christians, and perhaps in particular way for we who live in this house is to go beyond the signing up and in the deepest way possible, to show up.

It’s easy to say we signed up and each one of us here has. We have the uniform, the status, the place to live, the vocation, the community, the prayer, the process. All good things that, hopefully, in some way speak to a deeper reality.

We need to ask ourselves though – and I start with myself – have we worked to show up? Have we fully or are we willing to bring our real selves to the cross? Our pains and struggles? Our doubts and fears? Our history and past? Our fears and anxieties? Our insecurities and frailities? Or have we only made the simple gesture of signing up and remain hidden by the sign up form. Will we hide in the statuses? The externals? It’s easier there. Then, have we truly embraced the cross, have we truly embraced the Lord? For if we are unwilling to do the soul work required to show up, perhaps we need to ask ourselves what have we signed up for in the first place?

As our celebration of the Triduum continues, let us pray for and with one another that we might truly embrace our vulnerabilities this day and always, that we might show up at the Cross today. Like the suffering servant, may we startle and amaze those whom we serve both here and in the future. For if we do, the vulnerabilities, that emptiness, the pain in our lives will not only be healed but transformed in the new life that Christ brings. Our God will show up. Let’s pray that we can do the same.

What A Year It Has Been....

2010-03-28T21:25:00.000-07:00

Palm Sunday weekend is a milestone for me. It was this weekend last year, the days before, that informed family, friends, St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School and Our Lady of Lourdes that the Seminary accepted me and I would begin studies here in September. What a year it has been!

Today, we celebrated the Palm Sunday Liturgy at the Seminary. It’s a special day here as members of the Knights of Columbus through Long Island come and pray with this community. The Knights work hard to support many works of the Church, but make a special commitment to seminarians in formation. It some ways it is a “Thank You” celebration, in others a reminder of the tremendous support that exists in the Church on Long Island.

As I look back of this year, these days have particular meaning. It was in these times, a year ago, I made a life-changing decision to leave what I knew, where I was comfortable and what I loved to do with the hope and belief that God and the Church had more in store for me.

Truthfully, leaving stinks but it has been easier than I ever anticipated. My fear, I think, was totally disconnect or abandonment. This experience has shown me that relationships formed are not limited by location or distance. It is easier because of the love and support of so many! From family and friends to parish and former work place to community, I have never for a moment felt alone or abandoned on this journey. Thanks for that!

So as we celebrate Holy Week at the Seminary it is different than what it has been over the past few years. Yet, while change is tough hopefully it will be another positive step on what has already been quite a journey!

Indeed, what a year it has been!

The Parish of SS. Cyril and Methodius – the Heart of Jesus on Beautiful 231!

2010-03-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

This weekend, Vian Ntegerej'lmana and I visited the SS. Cyril and Methodius R.C. Church in Deer Park. What a wonderful community of faith, hope, love and a little bit of laughter, too!

This weekend’s visit differed from our visit to Our Lady of Mercy – both parishes have many gifts and different ones, too. SS. Cyril and Methodius is a larger parish in Suffolk County (actually about 5 minutes from where I live!). The physical church is bigger and there are more families, I believe, registered here than Our Lady of Mercy. It’s different to speak in a place that is so big! There is much happening in this wonderul parish community!

Second, SS. Cyril’s already has a seminarian living in the parish. Lawrence Onyegu is spending his pastoral year in the parish. Seminarians spend a year in a parish while also working and completing hospital chaplaincy work. While our other years of formation are primarily academic, pastoral year allows seminarians to put their learning into action. It is great to see the tremendous love that SS. Cyril’s has developed for Lawrence. There is no doubt they have taught him a great deal over these past months. They love him!

Third, spending a weekend with Vian was also a great learning experience. I sometimes take for granted the tremendous sacrifice that our international seminarians make to come to the Seminary in the United States. They leave their home and family to be formed so they can return home for service and ministry. Vian is from the Diocese of Kabale in Uganda. What a sacrifice! What an honor to share life with Vian and our other international seminarians. What a tremendous example Vian and others provide the rest of us!

Visiting parishes like SS. Cyril’s this week and OLM last week offers a great deal of hope. It allows us to share a little bit of our story while learning about the great diversity of parishes present in the Diocese.

Have a great week!

From Huntington to Hicksville

2010-03-15T10:51:00.000-07:00

The journey continues…now to Hicksville!

This weekend, Frank Zero and I spoke at Our Lady of Mercy R.C. Church in Hicksville (OLM). We spoke as part of Bishop Murphy’s efforts to foster vocations as outlined in his recent Pastoral Letter (see previous post). What a wonderful weekend of community, formation and support. I think we might have gained more than anyone else at Our Lady of Mercy this weekend!

First, this is a wonderful parish community! The priests, staff and parishioners are true examples of hospitality and welcome. From the moment we set foot in the Church, parishioners
reached out to welcome us. It is clear the people of OLM work hard to be an active, engaging and communal parish. It is not easy, I’m sure. Yet their commitment is obvious.

Second, much formation occurred this weekend. That’s a big word in seminary life. We are always being formed – on human, spiritual, intellectual, liturgical and pastoral levels. (That’s probably true for everyone, not just seminarians.) To spend a weekend in the life of a parish community gives one the chance to see how a place “runs”. It allowed us to see the diversity of ministries and gifts present in the community. Spending time with the priests of the parish – Fr. Bob, Fr. Peter, Fr. Dariusz and Fr. Rich – allowed us to see a variety of gifts and talents that can come together for good in the name of the Church. There is no doubt that I am more aware of what priesthood holds in to store for me than I was last Friday.

Finally, in many ways, this was my first time, out in the open, as a full-fledged seminarian. It felt a little weird initially but the people of OLM made it easy. It is a good reminder that some of the things I, as an individual, can get caught up in or become insecure about don’t make a tremendous difference to many others. Their excitement and encouragement towards each of us allowed me to see more clearly what I think I already knew. The parishioners of communities love those who serve them and those preparing to serve them.

Our work continues next weekend at SS. Cyril and Methodius R.C. Church in Deer Park!

Have a great week!

Ministry of Reader Pictures

2010-03-15T10:29:00.000-07:00

Ministry of Reader

2010-03-10T04:24:00.001-08:00

This past Friday marked another step on this journey towards priesthood. I was instituted into the Ministry of Reader. This is, traditionally, one of the first “ritual” steps in the formation process for seminarians.

The ceremony itself takes place within our regular daily Mass. Bishop John C. Dunne, Auxiliary Bishop of Rockville Centre presided at the liturgy. (He also confirmed me – so it was nice that he was part of this celebration.). After the homily, each seminarian to be instituted came forward. Bishop Dunne led the community in prayer for us. Then, we knelt before Bishop Dunne, placed our hand on a lectionary as he called us to:
“Take this book of holy Scripture and be faithful in handing on the word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of his people.”

What does this mean? Well, first, it is one of the “official” steps on the journey and that makes the reality of things come into focus. Second, it is call, not just for me but for all of us, to reflect more powerfully on the Word of God in our lives. More than how we proclaim it, how do we hear it? Listen to it? Reflect upon it? Those have been questions for my own prayer this week. Third, it is a reminder of the great diversity of ministries in the life of the Church. Some who read this blog may already be serving as lectors in parishes or schools. What a powerful witness!

Celebrations like last Friday’s call me to try to look deeper within. Something that can be a challenge! The question for me is can I fulfill this ministry, not by proclaiming or reading at the Liturgy of the Hours or Mass, but by how I live my life each day? There is much to think and pray about during these Lenten days!

(I don’t do pictures well – but am trying to get a few of the liturgy – when I do, I’ll post them up!)

Checking Out the Church on LI!

2010-03-01T03:09:00.000-08:00

Last week, I wrote about the parish visitations that are beginning this semester. Each weekend, seminarians are journeying to parishes throughout the island to talk about life in the seminary and to encourage and support vocations in the life of the Church.

There is another benefit to this process. We have some weekends off! For example, I have not been assigned to speak in a parish these first two weeks. This means we can come back to the Seminary a little later on Sundays and it gives us a chance to explore a little bit on our own. When Msgr. Swiader introduced this program, he encouraged those not assigned to speak on a certain weekend to return to their home parish, to join with a priest in the Seminary as he goes to a local parish to celebrate Mass or attend liturgy independently somewhere else. Over the past two weeks, I’ve chosen the latter. It has been a good opportunity to visit communities different from my own, recognizing both similarities and differences showing both unity and diversity of the Catholic Church on Long Island.

Last weekend, I journeyed to St. Aidan’s R.C. Church in Williston Park. Msgr. McDonald, the previous Rector of the Seminary, is the Pastor here. St. Aidan’s is in Nassau County and the Church (and the parish) is huge! There are three full-time priests, other priests who assist throughout the week and on weekends, a large staff, two school buildings, numerous parish buildings, tons of people and numerous programs and opportunities. The weekend I visited, the First Sunday of Lent, St. Aidan’s was preparing for it Lenten Mission, something all were encouraged to attend in the days that followed. You can tell by the spirit of the parish, there is much going here – not too mention the location. St. Aidan’s is located on Willis Avenue, a busy street in Nassau. The parish is right in the heart of it all!

This past weekend, I joined the parish community of Our Lady of the Snow in Blue Point, NY. This parish is in Eastern Suffolk and contrasts with St. Aidan’s (and my home parish) in a number of ways. The 7:30 A.M. Mass is celebrated in the “Mother Church” which is a small, comfortable gathering space that would probably be a ¼ or 1/8 of the size of St. Aidan’s Church., Our Lady of the Snow is smaller in size - in physical size and number of families – as compared to St. Aidan’s. Yet here, too, there are a slew of activities and events built for this local community – including a Lenten Soup Supper, preparations for the Ministry of Reader, important Religious Education events and a lot of information about the prayer life of the parish. You could tell that the people of Our Lady of the Snow know each other well as their families spent time before and after Mass catching up with each other. Are there as many “events” or “things” or even “people” at Our Lady of the Snow as compared to St. Aidan’s? Probably not. Is the same spirit of outreach, community building and energy present? Absolutely!

So the past two weekends have been good formation experiences for me. I haven’t had the opportunity to speak in a parish yet, but visiting and praying with these two communities is a good reminder of the diversity of styles and parish communities that are present throughout Long Island. Each use the gifts, talents and means it has to learn about its people and to discover the best ways to serve them. Though different, they work together to serve the one Church of Long Island!

The Seminarian Road Show

2010-02-24T13:31:00.000-08:00

First, I apologize for the late post. We have been having some Internet server problems here so it has taken me a little while to get online. The lack of the Internet is a good reminder of the aesthetical spirit of the season (see previous post).

This week, seminarians from our seminary went “on tour” to parishes throughout the Dioceses of Brooklyn and Rockville Centre as well as to college campus ministries and eventually parish schools. This is a new endeavor called for by Bishop Murphy in his recent pastoral letter on vocations.

It changes the rhythm of the seminary a bit. Sunday has traditionally been a community day – a time when we gather for Morning Prayer and Mass in the morning and Evening Prayer and a community dinner in the evening. For a majority of weekends in the Spring Semester we will spending our weekends (Saturday nights and Sundays) in parishes speaking with local communities about vocations, the seminary and how they can be an even more active support and presence here.

The loss of the community day here is overshadowed by the opportunities and experiences that spending time with the parishioners and parish leaders brings. How wonderful it is to see other parishes “in action”, learn about the various traditions of parish communities and gain a better understanding of how different and unique life as a parish priest can be. Hopefully, it is a positive experience for the parishes that we are able to visit as well. I remember when I let people know I was coming here, the word “seminary” had a mysterious sense to it. People were not sure what it was and had tons of great questions (Can you ever leave? Do you have to shave your head? Is it true you go to bed when it’s sun down? The answers are Yes, No and No, by the way!). This allows parish communities to meet men considering the priesthood and to learn about the process and journey involved in making a decision to come here. It might even inspire thers to think about their own vocation – to priesthood, religious life, married life or the single life.

Last night, Evan Jules (a fellow seminarian) and I journeyed to the Newman Clu b meeting at Adelphi University. If that is any indication of what these visits entail, we’re in great shape. There we met over thirty college students excited about their faith, open to listening to Evans and I speak and receptive to all our suggestions and ideas for ways to increase vocations in the life of the Church.

The hope, too, is that this experience will call each of us to look around, as well as within, our own lives. Who are the family members, friends, parishioners, neighbors, and acquaintances who needs to be asked about considering their own vocation. Who else needs to be sent forth?

From Alleluia's to Asceticism

2010-02-15T19:26:00.000-08:00

“Live as though only God and yourself were in this world, so that your heart may not be detained by anything human.” -St. John of the Cross

Lent begins this Wednesday and there is much for each one of us to work on and reflect upon during the upcoming 40 days. In the prayer of the Church, Lent is a journey, one that calls for an exile, of sorts. The hope is that in this Lenten season we can prepare and renew ourselves in preparation for the great celebration of Easter! (We sing Alleluia, for the first time, at the Easter Vigil!)

At our Spring Semester Orientation and House Meeting, Msgr. Charles Fink, the Director of Spiritual Formation (and the topic of a future post) called us to a spirit of asceticism, particularly during the days of Lent. It involves a pulling away, a separation from many of the things to which we attach to and become distracted from our relationship with God and with one another. His words forced me to think about so many of the “things” to which I can become so easily attached.

Msgr. Fink’s call for Lent is one that applies to all, not only the seminarians and priests who live here in the Seminary. Over these next 40 days what can we detach from? Is it a relationship? Technology? Food? Drink? A certain behavior? (Or maybe all of them :)! Whatever it is –and there’s something for each of us –perhaps we can look at the ways to detach and to pull away in the hope that we can attach and push closer to God. Then, when we sing Alleluia again at Easter we will do so more aware and more present to our God and to one another!

Have a great week.

Spring Semester - School's Back in Session!

2010-02-08T13:59:00.000-08:00

Last week, I wrote about the Pastoral Workshops offered here at the Seminary to ease us back into the Spring Semester. Well, the easing in is over as the Spring Semester is in full swing.

The courses, like those in many good programs, build on previous learning and experience and, it appears they will give us many relevant and applicable experiences for parish ministry. So here’s a look at the schedule with a little explanation of what’s involved…maybe you’ll want to take a few of these courses!

Pauline Literature: This course examines many of the Letters of Paul found in the New Testament. We hear from Paul on most Sundays at Mass so this will provide me, I hope, with a good foundation for the future.
Passion Narratives: This second Scripture course is an online or distance learning course. I am in this class with six other people who are involved in ministry and work throughout the Dioceses of Brooklyn and Rockville Centre. It promises to be interesting – not just for the knowledge I’ll gain – but for this unique way of learning.
Special Issues in Moral Theology: Here we will be focusing on issues related to health care and sexuality. I am not sure you can have enough information in these two areas but the course promises to leave me with a lot to think about.
Sacramental Theology: Working with others to prepare and celebrate the sacraments is important for any priest. This course will give not only the history of the sacraments but what the sacraments offer each of us.
Theology of Marriage: No I’m not getting married! Yet, working with married couples and the Sacrament of Marriage is important for all who work in the Church. This class will help us to look at the theological foundations of marriage as well as many of the practical issues that arise in today’s society.
John Henry Newman: I know next to nothing about him. This class, particularly as his canonization approaches, will give me some good insight into this man – who liked to write a lot (I know because I have to read most of it!)
Spanish: I am still working at this – we’ll see what happens as the semester progresses!

So are you signing up? Even though we are only a week in, it looks like it will be a pretty interesting semester! If you know anything about these topics, let me know!

Have a great week!

From Palestine to the Pastoral

2010-01-31T18:38:00.001-08:00

Good evening everyone! Today begins the Spring semester here at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception. Fr. Peter celebrated Mass this afternoon and our first Orientation meeting just concluded.

The seminarians have actually been back here for a week. Last week, we attended Pastoral Workshops. These are organized by the Seminary for us to get a better and deeper sense of the pastoral work that is ongoing in many parishes and organizations through Long Island. Here is a sampling of the workshops we attended:
Long Island Center for Life – Lorraine and Frank Garibaldi
Evangelization in Today’s Parish – John Romanowski, Office of Faith Formation, DRVC
Marriage Preparation - Kathleen Logan, Office of Faith Formation, DRVC
Ministering to those with Special Needs – MaryAnne Russo, Office of Faith Formation, DRVC
Ministry to the Dying and Grieving – Good Shepherd Hospice
Ministry to the Deaf – Fr. Tom Costa and Sr. Joan Finn
Ministry to the Mentally Ill/Addicted – Catholic Charities Staff

The week concluded with a site visit to the Verdone Residence on the grounds of the St. Joseph’s Church in Babylon. This residence is home for nearly 12 individuals with special needs. They shared lunch with us, showed us where they live and provided a glimpse into their everyday lives. We also listened to some of residence’s administrators who spoke with us about the intricacies of organizing, maintaing and support such a program. This was a great way to end a week about ministry and outreach.

“All Are Welcome” is a popular gathering hymn in many parishes and communities. This past week, this song echoed in my mind as I participated in these workshops. The Church is calling all of us – lay women and men, religious women and men, and clergy – to reach out, even and especially beyond our comfort zones, in our work and ministry. A great message for today’s seminarians!

So with this “real-life” and “hands-on” experience we’re off to the beginning of another semester! More to come on that soon!

Walls, Gardens and Mountains – Thursday, January 14, 2010

2010-01-14T10:28:00.000-08:00

Greetings from the Notre Dame Center in Jerusalem! Our pilgrimage to the Holy Land is beginning to wind down yet each day continues to bring with it new opportunities, challenges and chances to reflect on the life of Jesus and its impact on each of our lives.

Most days in Jerusalem begin at 5:30 A.M. – yes A.M.! For those who are up for it, literally, we walk to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where Jesus was crucified, died and was buried. This is a time for quiet prayer and reflection for all who take part in this part of the pilgrimage.

Today, after breakfast, we visited another archeological site that provided information about the roads that Jesus walked and the walls that surrounded the city of Jerusalem in Jesus’ time. The most popular place we visited was the Western Wall. Rest assured, if you gave one of us a prayer intention it was placed in the wall as we carried your intentions with us these past seven days.

The remainder of the day found us, in one way or another, on the Mount of Olives. We visited and prayed by the Garden of Gethsemane in the Church of All Nations as we were able to touch and be near the stone that is believed to be the stone Jesus prayed at after the Last Supper. We visited the Church of the Ascension, a small area believed to be one of the places where Jesus may have ascended from after the Resurrection. Following, we prayed at the Church of Pater Noster where Jesus was believed to have taught the disciples (and all of us!) how to prayer. We concluded our journey on the Mount of Olives with Mass at Dominus Flevit, the place “where Jesus wept” over Jerusalem. Fr. Peter, our Rector, called on each of us to be aware of the moments when Jesus is visiting us. His tears then were for the people of Jerusalem who missed the presence of God in their midst. We cannot allow the same to happen especially in the midst of our own brokenness and struggles.

The day concluded with a lecture and discussion led by Fr. Jerome Murphy-O’Connor. Fr. Jerome is a noted Scripture scholar, teacher and author. His years of study, knowledge and wisdom challenged some of the conventional ways we see Jesus. Getting in touch with the humanity of Jesus is the key to a deeper and Spirit prayer life and relationship with God, Fr. Jerome asserted. He left us with much to think about, for sure!

I think Fr. Jerome captured a large part of what our day and this pilgrimage has been about. We must come in contact with the human Jesus – based in history, archaeology and research – as it will ground everything else we do and become, most especially our relationship with God. Perhaps, according to him, we’re afraid to come in contact with that humanity because it will call us to live life the way he did – a self-sacrificing love for others. That is something for all of us to think about – seminarian or not. Let us not be afraid!

Greetings from Galilee

2010-01-09T12:28:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Galilee!

Good evening everyone! Tonight is the first night I am able to get to the computer. I am writing to you from the Mount of Beatitudes Hospice (Hotel). Our experiences so far have been challenging, enriching, overwhelming, enlightening and hope-filled – all at the same time.

We arrive in the Holy Land on Wednesday evening and journeyed to the Chapel of Our Lady of Palestine for our first Mass. We spent the night in Tel Aviv and from there journeyed to Jaffa, Caesarea, Akko and Mt. Carmel and then arrived here on Thursday evening. Friday brought saw us to Magdala where we were part of a 1st century archeological dig. After, we took a tour along the Sea of Galilee which was one of the more powerful moments of the experience so far. We a;so visited a seminary in Galilee which provided an interesting contrast to our experiences in the United States.

Today, much of our day was spent in Nazareth, after a small stop at a Church in Cana. We celebrated Mass in the Basilica of the Annunciation and had some time to just experience the space where it is believed that Mary lived and was met by the angel Gabriel. The afternoon brought us to Mt. Tabor (the site of the Transfiguration) and to another historical site which gave archaeological and historical background to the hidden years of Jesus – from his birth to the beginning of his public ministry.

As you can see from this quick entry, there’s a lot happening and it is good. We are learning a lot about the historical, archaeological, and theological times of Jesus and perhaps, most importantly, getting a chance to bring those experiences and moments in our own spiritual lives. There is much more to write about – certainly too much to write here. A few other seminarians are updating a blog regularly so if you’d like the “latest up to date” info about the trip go to this site http://seminariansintheholyland.blogspot.com/

Thanks, again, for all your support and encouragement. Talk to you soon.

Coming Home for Christmas

2010-01-05T05:55:00.000-08:00

As we begin the New Year, it has been a unique few weeks and given me much to think about. The first semester of my seminary life ended on December 17th and from that point, the seminarians are expected to return home – and in many ways to come home for Christmas! And what a great few weeks it has been…and an adjustment as well.

What has been so wonderful and overwhelming for me is the tremendous welcome and affirmation I have received. This is the first time since leaving in August that I have been home for an extended amount of time. The pace of life outside of the Seminary has taken some time get used to, yet it has been good to approach prayer, life, ministry and study in a different way over the past few weeks.

Celebrating Christmas is a good example of the adjustment of returning home in a bit of a different capacity yet finding comfort and support in many of the familiar and foundational places that have brought me to this place in my life. On Christmas Eve, I worked in Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center. It was a different way to be present, particularly for those who not feeling so well around the holidays. I volunteered at Our Lady of Lourdes, the parish I worked in for the past eight years and have been part of for my entire life, and meet so many people at the Christmas Eve and Day Masses. I spent time with family at times and moments, that in the past I would have been working so that, too, was a wonderful opportunity. I prayed Hope House at the Christmas Eve Mass held at the Pax Christi Hospitality Center. I have even had the chance to share Christmas with a few families I have come to know and love from my life in this local community. All things I probably would not have been able to do in the past. What a way to be welcomed and included and what a way to celebrate Christmas!

The weeks since have allowed me to be present in the parish community, visit with many family and to work and volunteer in the hospital and at Hope House (and to catch a bit of a break too!). Now many of the seminarians prepare for the interterm. Some will go on retreat in New Jersey and Jamaica (Queens, not the island) while the pastoral year, third year and fourth year theologians (including me) will leave today for the Holy Land for a two week pilgrimage. I’ve listed the itinerary and some relevant readings in the column to the right. Follow along if you’d like and please keep me and all who will be on this journey in your thoughts and prayers. If I’m able, I’ll try to post an entry or two from the Holy Land.

Peace!

It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

2009-12-17T13:31:00.000-08:00

Today, December 17th is my final day of the semester at the Seminary. The reason for lateness of this post is the past week has seen a flurry of finals (both oral and written) and papers. Classes are finished and today we celebrated our Closing Liturgy and Luncheon.

It has been a journey to get to this point but one that has sought to bring us closer together as a community. It began on November 30th with the beginning of the Advent season. Then, on December 9th (after Diaconate Ordination), we came together to get the “house” set up for Christmas. This involved putting get our tree together including stringing the lights (very frustrating!) and decorating the tree as well as putting up the Christmas Nativity scene. This is one of those “all hands on deck” experience and while it can be work it’s also good for us to work together! And, of course, we were able to smuggle some lights and a donated tree (and a light up snowman) for our Alley…so we were the talk of the Seminary.

Today, we celebrated our Closing Liturgy. One of the traditions here is that we sing the Closing Hymn, “O Come All Ye Faithful” in the first languages of those who live here. So we sang verses in seven different languages. It was a good reminder of our community unity and diversity.

It’s appropriate we end today as the Church begins to celebrate the O Antiphons, the time of Advent that marks our final preparation for Christmas. So as the members of this community return home or to local parishes, we go forth in a great spirit, ready for a wonderful break!

- -
Please remember in your prayers, Msgr. Jim Kissane, who passed away yesterday after a very short but intense illness. Fr. Jim was a graduate of St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School (Class of 1982) and the pastor of St. John of God Parish in Central Islip. He is truly one of the “good guys”…someone who was a great source of encouragement and strength for me and many others. Funeral arrangements can be found here.

It's Deacon Week!

2009-12-06T19:47:00.000-08:00

This week is a big week at the Seminary. On December 8th, five men of this house will be ordained to the diaconate by Bishop DiMarzio. They will begin serving in parishes over the next few months and then be ordained to priesthood this June.

The five men who will be ordained this week, in a real sense, are the leaders of this community. Their presence, experience, wisdom and enthusiasm for ministry certainly set a high bar for those of us who live here. Simply by their status here they inspire us to continue working on this path.

For the entire community it's an "all hands on deck" week. There is much to do from preparing the Chapel, setting for all the details of the celebration, moving chairs all over the place and preparing the seminary for the nearly 300 guests who will visit us this Tuesday, to supporting the men who will be ordained. It's a good time and moment when everyone can work to bring things together.

So pray for Alonzo, Nixon, Henry, Dave and John (you can see their pictures at the Seminary website) and pray for our entire community in the days ahead, especially in this Year of the Priest.

It's Good to be Home

2009-11-30T03:31:00.000-08:00

This weekend, all of the seminarians were asked to return to their home parishes to share a little bit about their vocation story, especially as the Church celebrates the feast of St. Andrew, Apostle, this Monday. For me, I had the great honor and privilege of returning home, and I do mean home, to Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. Church in West Islip.

I’m not sure if everyone can appreciate the difference that a parish can make in a transition like this. Ideally, parishes are small Church communities that nurture, challenge, empower and strengthen all who belong to the community. I’ve been part of Our Lady of Lourdes since birth and for as far back as I can remember have always a found a place where I belong. This community has helped me to do things I never thought I could do – including coming to the Seminary.

Over my years in the parish, I have been offered support in the midst of challenge. I have been given the privilege and honor to serve the community in some ways. Perhaps, most importantly, I have been given a great foundation of what parish and Church can and should be.

One of the great things about good communities in general and parishes in particular, is that you never really leave. So while I have been away from the everyday life of the community since August, they have not left me behind or forgotten about me. Rather, like most communities do, they’ve rallied to be present and to support me in new and different ways. That made returning this weekend feel like I had never left.

Needless to say – it is great to go home again!

A Different Week...

2009-11-22T20:16:00.000-08:00

UPDATE - 11/26/09 - So guess who scored the winning touchdown in the Turkey Bowl - that's right, not me! The Diocese of Brooklyn, led by our Rector, Fr. Peter, defeated Rockville Centre, 3-1 (each touchdown was a point). It was much more serious than I thought - there were rules, plays and penalities....but certainly a lot of fun. Have a great Thanksgiving!

The abbreviated week ahead brings a different pace here in the Seminary. There are no academic classes and our regular routine will be altered a bit. So what will be doing, you might ask?

These three days began tonight with an Evening/Day of Reflection with Bishop Frank Caggiano of the Diocese of Brooklyn. He spoke tonight and will speak tomorrow about how we can be more effective ministers in what can be a very unreligious or non-religious world. Part of the day of recollection includes the silence that I’ve written about before. Even as I type this at 11:30 at night, it’s even quieter than usual. There’s a nice sense of peace about that.

Tuesday and early Wednesday are Work Days. I cannot tell you exactly what they entail because I haven’t lived through them but they are ways for the seminary community to work together and contribute to the life of the house. We have been divided into work teams which range from outside work, working in the Library, cleaning and reorganizing the Chapel, among many other tasks. So all day Tuesday we’re working. I bet it’s not only going to be a day where a lot gets done but it gives us who live here a chance to work on a different level. So we’ll see how it goes.

On Tuesday afternoon, I’m told, there a tradition of a Turkey Bowl where the seminarians from Brooklyn take on the seminarians from Rockville Centre. Those who are from other dioceses get drafted, I believe, on to one of the teams. Pray for me :)!

On Wednesday, we conclude with a ½ work day, then Mass followed by lunch together. From there we return home and get the chance to spend the holidays with family and friends. This upcoming weekend, we’ve been asked to speak in our home parishes about our experiences at the Seminary, Bishop Murphy’s Pastoral Letter and a real invitation to invite others to consider the seminary or religious life.

On Sunday, some of us will go to St. James Cathedral to celebrate with our Rector, Msgr. Peter Vaccari, as he is official recognized by the Bishop for the title of “Monsignor”. Then it’s back to the Seminary on Sunday night as get the place ready for Advent.

So as you can read – there’s a lot happening here in this “different week”!

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Crunch Time!

2009-11-15T21:14:00.000-08:00

A lot of people have asked about what life is like here in the Seminary and I’ve tried to (and will continue to) write about the people, places and events of seminary life. Tonight, I thought I’d let you know about the academic part of life here. Intellectual formation is a huge part of a seminarian’s life and that means a significant amount of academic work. With a little less than three weeks in the semester it’s crunch time.

Each year, seminarians are expected to take certain classes. You can look at the Seminary website for the course catalog which provides a significant amount of information. Studying theology full time is a lot of work but it is worth it as you leave most classes not only with theological material and insight but usually with suggestions and ideas about how to integrate this material in the life of the Church.

So, a week for me includes the following classes:
+ Johannine Literature
+ Theology of the Body
+ Catholic Church History in the USA
+ Theology of the Priesthood
+ Sacraments of Initiation
+ Spanish

(can you match the books to the course?)

These are all graduate level classes so they require a significant amount of reading, studying, preparing, presentations, etc. (NOTE: I’m not complaining or whining…just explaining!). Some of my former students will rejoice that I have all of this work. One even said it might be God’s payback to me J!

Now in these final weeks, papers are due, finals need to be prepared for and all of this work needs to come to a close. This happens as the “house” continues to run and we’re expected to contribute to the life of the community here!

The hope is that learning – not only the material – to integrate these courses into our lives while also continuing our commitment to prayer, service in the community and regular meetings and gatherings! It’s all good –but certainly a lot of work! OK off to writing this paper about connaturality and celibacy…anyone got some good ideas for this?

Have a great week!

Meet the Alley!

2009-11-09T08:26:00.001-08:00

I’m going to try with a few of these blog postings to try and share with you a little about what seminary life is like. A few weeks ago I introduced you to the Rector, Fr. Peter. In addition to him and the alley –which we’ll read about today – I’ll continue to write about some of the different people and places here too! This week we’ll do both – so it’s a little long.

In addition to being part of the larger seminary community, each seminarian at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception is part of a “corridor community” or more informally an “alley”. The idea is, that just like Church, we don’t just experience support from the larger community but also on a smaller, more intimate level. Each alley has a number of seminarians from different years and usually has one professor or member of the faculty who is the alley prefect.

I live on Alley 3-B. There are nine of us who live here and our alley prefect, or professor is Msgr. James Swiader. (He’s also the Dean of Seminarians and my Advisor – so there will be a post about him one day.) We have some formal and informal ways that we attempt to support and be present to one another.

First, check out the Alley Lounge (my room is right across from it – how lucky am I!). Here, as you might able to see, there’s a TV, refrigerator, coffee maker, comfortable couches and much more. Don’t worry – that refrigerator is filled with Diet Pepsi and many other things!) Some times a bunch of guys will watch the Giants’ game or one or two might catch the light night news or something like that. Much like a college dorm we have it stocked with candy, snacks, comfortable couches, etc.

Our alley bulletin board is a way we communicate and keep up with each other. It’s hard to see in this picture but we pray for one person on the alley per week, we have a prayer intention list that we add to each week, and a quote of the week to help us reflect or think about.

We gather as an alley officially on Mondays and Thursday for Evening Prayer at 5:30 P.M. It’s a time not only to pray but also to catch up on life at the Seminary and in general. Our prayer is simple but if often allows us to pray in a more personal way with one another.

We also do things more informally too! Last week we all went out to dinner to eat with Msgr. Swiader. It was a good way to share life outside of the house. Other times, we’ll set up for dinner together or just help each other out if someone has something they need to get done. We’re a pretty good group as we are always up to trying to something that brings us a little closer together.

The alley, or the corridor community, is a great way to make a big building much smaller. The hope is that in some way the community we form here will continue beyond this place, too.

I’m going to provide a brief intro about each person on the alley – you can check out their pictures on the Seminary Website….
Msgr. Swiader: Is the dean and alley prefect. More to come about him in a future post.
Henry Leuthardt: Henry is a 4th year theologian and is preparing to be ordained this June. He's from St. John the Evangelist Church in Center Moriches. I work for Henry in the Sacristy.
Paul Kim: Paul is a 2nd year theologian from the Diocese of Brooklyn. He’s always finding a way to keep people laughing.
Jeremy Canna: Jeremy is a 1st year theologian from the Diocese of Brooklyn. Jeremy is a great musician and plays the organ at many of our seminary Masses and prayer services.
Frank Zero: Frank is a 3rd year theologian from St. Edward’s in Syosset. Frank’s in many of my classes and is a great classmate.
Daniel Opoku-Mensah: Daniel is a first year theologian from the Diocese of Konongo-Mampong in Ghana. Whenever I’m thinking how far I had to come to Huntington, I become quiet and think of Daniel. His first experience of America is here at the Seminary. Daniel is a great soccer player and a great person to live with.
John Ryan: John is a 4th year theologian preparing to be ordained this year. He is the coordinator of B-Wing for the entire seminary. He has such a great perspective and sense of humor on things! He, too, is from Our Lady of Lourdes Church in West Islip.
Killick Pierrilus: Killick is a 2nd year theologian from the Diocese of Brooklyn. He is an acolyte in the house and works in B wing – a place for the seminarians to hang out and catch up after a long day.
Brandon O’Brien: Brandon is a 2nd year theologican from the Sacred Heart Church in Merrick. Brandon is also an organist at many of our Masses and prayer services. He’s also a Giants’ fan – so pray for him these days.

Ok - this week was a long post! Sorry about that.

Of the City, Seminarians, Servers and Saints...

2009-11-01T19:59:00.000-08:00

This week has seen seminary life with a lot of different activities and events – each I hope – with something to offer us. As we celebrate feasts of saints and souls in the Church, it’s a good reminder of how our work and our lives interconnect in many ways.

This past week, we had my first seminary “field trip”. It was part of the “Formation in Christ” program that new seminarians participate in for their first two years at the Seminary. Each Wednesday we generally meet at the Seminary to discuss a different aspect of spirituality and prayer. This past Wednesday we journeyed to The Cloi sters. Here we were given a great tour about this unique space that brings together many artistic works and spaces of the Medieval Era. It’s a great trip if you have a day. Part of what made the day so great was not just the place, but the chance to be community in a little less formal situation. After The Cloisters, we journeyed to midtown to Ellen’s Stardust Diner, Times Square, Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Some of the newest members of the seminary, as I’ve written about before, have never been in the country before, never mind the heart of NYC. The trip had many benefits, indeed!

Today, All Saints’ Day, we welcomed the men from the college residence at Douglaston. (For those following from Our Lady of Lourdes in West Islip, our own David Atanasio is in residence there.) These men, for the most part, are undergraduate college students living in community in Queens. You can read about their program and who they are by going through the site. It’s good to know there are other people planning to come here to the major seminary in the future.

I also had the chance today to welcome the altar servers of Christ the King R.C. Church in Commack. Led by Chris Ferraro, they came to learn about the seminary and who knows...maybe coming here one day :)! Msgr. Joe DeGrocco and I led a tour of the seminary and prayer service for the wonderful young people of Christ the King. They seemed very impressed with the seminary and hopefully left with some good things to think about as they return to serve – both at Mass and outside of Mass – in their parish community. It was good to be connected with parish life – even if just for a few hours!

So there’s a lot going on here at the Seminary these days…The journey to NYC, the visit of the Douglaston community and today’s presentation are all reminders of how the community life here extends beyond this building. That’s a good comfort!

As we celebrate All Saint’s and All Soul’s Days, let especially remember the saints of our lives – those recognized by the Church and those known to us personally - so that we can seek God’s blessing (as offered at All Soul’s Day Masses this day) in our lives:
“In his great love, the God of all consolation offers us the gift of life. May we be blessed with faith in the resurrection of his Son, and with the hope of rising to new life.”

God has been so good!

2009-10-25T08:08:00.000-07:00

This week, I want to write you about someone who has a significant influence in my life and who was called home to God this past Thursday.

Sister Rose Taranto, a Sister of St. Dominic of Amityville, died early Thursday morning. Sister Rose worked at St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School for over thirty years. A Sister of St. Dominic for 72 years, Sister Rose served at Our Lady of Solace, Dominican Commercial and St. Michael’s in East New York before coming to serve at St. John’s. While I attended and worked at St. John's, she was a teacher of Latin and Spanish, the organist and eventually the secretary to the Chaplains, as part of Campus Ministry, at St. John's. So over these years we have grown pretty close in working and sharing life together. (I think there are few who prayed as hard for me to come to the seminary!)

Sister Rose is a tremendous example of what is to be a person great service, holiness and faith. Throughout her life, Sister Rose certainly knew trial and pain, having faced many illnesses and challenges. She often worked through them, knowing God was with her, working even up to just a few weeks ago. You would be hard pressed to find her complain about any of the life circumstances she found herself in – rather she would accept that path she had been given and usually be the first to remind us that “God has been so good!” A statement she proclaimed and lived out until her final days.

At her funeral yesterday, one of the prayers spoken about in reference to saint describes Sister Rose perfectly:
“You renew the Church in every age
By raising up men and women outstanding in holiness,
living witnesses of your unchanging love.
They inspire us by their heroic lives,
And help us by their constant prayers
To be the living sign of your saving power.”

I guess in all of our lives, there are individuals who stand before as incredible witnesses to faith and hope. For me, and I’m pretty sure for thousands of others, Sister Rose has been and is an inspiration and source of great hope for the journey I have been on in my life and continue to be on.

To read more about Sister Rose, you can go to the St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School website.

Let's pray for Sister Rose's family, her friends and her community of Sisters. Let's pray for Sister Rose too - as I am sure - she is praying for all of us. Thanks for showing us all the ways that "God has been so good!"

Meet the Rector

2009-10-18T19:37:00.001-07:00

People have been asking me how the seminary works in terms of structure, organization and community. Every now and then I'll try and introduce you to some of the people who are part of the community here.

One of the first people I'd like to introduce you to is Msgr. Peter Vaccari. Father Peter was appointed Rector of the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception on June 24, 2009. Msgr. James McDonald - another good and holy man - who was the Rector here since 2005 was appointed Pastor of St. Aidan's in Williston Park. Father Peter has been a professor of Church History since 1988. I don't know everything about him but can tell you he's a dynamic teacher, a tremendous spiritual director and has made a real difference in the lives of many of the seminarians who have lived here over the past twenty years. (I had him as a professor before and have him this semester - there's no one more excited about Church history...trust me! In fact he's taking us to the Holy Land this Winter break so we can more powerfully understand the times of the early Church. If you're interested in being a part of that so the right hand column.)

The role of the rector is to lead the seminary community on a number of levels and in a number of ways. In some ways, I guess you can say he is the Pastor of our community here as well as the Principal, chief administrator, encourager-in-chief , mentor, and much, much more. And on top of all of that, he's a really nice person who makes himself available, approachable and is so generous with his time and energy. When you talk to him, you have no doubt you are being listened to with great respect and reverence.

I write about him today because we had our second Rector's Conference this morning. Each month, the rector meets with the seminarians to share some insight, direction, teaching and/or encouragement. Today, Father Peter talked to us about Pastores Dobo Vobis a document by Pope John Paul II on the formation of seminarians. We were asked to really consider what it means to live in community in the seminary - what we bring to it, what challenges we face, and what, individually and collectively, we can do to improve the community life here at the seminary. I never fail to leave a meeting with Fr. Peter without somehow being called to be a better person. So that's one of his jobs to constantly encourage and challenge us to really reflect on what we're doing here at the Seminary and even what we, collectively, can do better so that we leave here well prepared and well formed for life beyond the seminary.

Rector or not - he's a pretty impressive person and someone I wanted you to meet! (And I'm pretty sure that he does not follow this blog - so this is genuine post I assure you!)

P.S. Check out the new seminary website at icseminary.edu. I promise to post up some pictures of the Seminary this week....for now check out the site.

The Sound of Silence

2009-10-13T18:21:00.001-07:00

This past Thursday we had our first Day of Recollection. It was led by Bishop Paul Walsh, an auxiliary bishop of Rockville Centre. Many have wondered, based on my last post, how one handles the silence, especially me!

We began on Wednesday night with a talk and then a Holy Hour. After that, we were asked to be quiet. As big as the seminary building is, you could tell the difference. On Thursday, we spent the whole day in silence. Bishop Walsh offered two additional talks about the Eucharist that gave us much to think about - and the silence gives you plenty of time to think! He challenged us to look at the Eucharist as a reminder that we are "wired for God" and the meal that we share at Mass "must always lead to mission". He called on us to enjoy the Eucharist as it repairs and re-energizes us.

Beyond the talks, we could use the silence to read, journal, walk around the grounds and sort of get some time to let things process. We even ate meals in silence. Even that experience forced us to reflect on what we were eating and even to consider where it came from and how much food we really need to eat in our lives. So it was a day of reflection on many levels.

The truth this is the third experience of silence I've experienced in the past few months. This past summer, I spent a week with the Camaldolese Benedictines in Big Sur, CA. It was a week of mostly silence -with some conversation with the monks at meals. My life here at the seminary began with a three day retreat on the psalms led by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio. I have to say with all the apprehension of entering into these experiences they were wonderful....definitely something for each of us to try at some point.

So we're on to week 2 of "The Seminarian Sent Forth". I have some ideas of future postings, but if you have some ideas for future posts, please e-mail me and let me know.

Let's continue to pray for and with each other!

COME AND "FOLLOW"

2009-10-07T16:12:00.000-07:00

We're going to learn the blog navigation together! If you want to follow this blog, you just need to click on the bottom right hand side of the page. i think this will let you know when the blog is updated. If you have an AIM or Yahoo account you can use that. If you don't look to the bottom where it asks you to open a Google account. All this involves is typing in the e-mail address you always use....so you're not creating a whole other e-mail address. If anyone is more familiar with this than I, comment below.

Tonight begins a silent day of retreat and recollection. I'll let everyone know how it goes over the weekend.

Thanks for sending me here!

2009-09-30T03:38:00.000-07:00

I write to you today as I begin my second month here at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington (http://www.icseminary.edu/). Thanks for sending me here.

This has been an interesting part of the journey so far! It has pushed me in some new directions - and that's a good thing. Growth sometimes comes through the most challenging of experiences.Many people have asked me what a typical day is like here. It's actually busy with a lot of things to do. We gather as a community, or a house, for Morning Prayer at 7:30 most morning. Following we have classes until about 11:30. We gather for Mass at 11:45 and then share lunch together. The afternoons are generally free from assigned classes for school work, meetings, and the like. We gather for either Evening Prayer or a Holy Hour each night around 5 or 5:30 and then share dinner together. Following dinner it varies by night. On some nights we have a class, other times a meeting, maybe a soccer game (yes I've actually played!) or just time to catch up on school. Then - you're up and at it for the next day.Leaving my ministries and coming here has certainly been cause for major adjustment. And, truthfully, this change has had it's ups and downs. Even in the midst of the challenges, I must say that I have no doubt that I am in the right place and that hopefully I am in the right direction. That, along with the incredible amount of support and love that has been shown to me over these past few months, is making these first weeks easier than the probably would have been...so again, Thanks for sending me here!

P.S. Can you find me in this picture?